I posed this same question to my friends online. There were some great responses that I want to share to spur further thought!
I first really thought about it in grad school. I guess I'd say thinking that is highly analytical and strategic in nature, with emphasis on interrogating ideas, giving critique.
Higher order thinking with the intent to understand a complex, well, thing?
Is a way of thinking that is not passive, that is, a way of approaching an issue analyzing different points of view, without being Manichaean and testing convictions, opening to the new and reviewing their own positions.
What makes you ask that question?
What you just did to me asking this question 😁
Starting with the premise that an idea/concept/thing is wrong and then attempting to figure out why. If I can't, then accepting the thing as accurate.