Final answer:
Being skeptical but not cynical, open but not gullible describes critical thinking.
Step-by-step explanation:
Being skeptical but not cynical, open but not gullible describes critical thinking. Critical thinking is the ability to identify and solve problems by gathering information, analyzing and evaluating evidence, and forming a judgment. It involves looking beneath the surface of words and images to analyze, interpret, and evaluate. Critical thinking requires a willingness to be skeptical of our own beliefs, engage in analytical reasoning, and avoid being too credulous or gullible.