Which of the following attributes is clearly a characteristic of critical thinking?

Logical reasoning is a fundamental characteristic of critical thinking. Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze information and arguments, identify logical connections and inconsistencies, and draw well-reasoned conclusions. It is about applying systematic processes and evaluating evidence in order to arrive at a justified belief or decision.

In contrast, intuitive decision-making relies more on gut feelings or spontaneous thoughts rather than structured analysis, which does not align with the deliberate nature of critical thinking. Emotional intelligence, while valuable in understanding oneself and others, focuses more on interpersonal skills and managing emotions rather than on the analytical processes intrinsic to critical thinking. Unconditional acceptance suggests a lack of scrutiny or evaluation, which stands in opposition to the questioning stance that critical thinking encourages. Thus, logical reasoning distinctly embodies the essence of critical thinking, making it the correct choice in this context.