Final answer:
The elements of thought by Paul and Elder provide a framework for analyzing and evaluating critical thinking, comprising of eight components such as purpose, assumptions, and implications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements of thought, according to Paul and Elder, are a set of criteria that are used to analyze and evaluate the quality of thinking. The elements include purpose, question at issue, information, interpretation and inference, concepts, assumptions, implications and consequences, and point of view. These elements form a critical thinking framework that helps individuals think more deeply and systematically about issues and topics, thereby improving their ability to understand and assess their own thinking as well as the arguments presented by others.