The objective of this essay is to articulate and demonstrate (1) a working knowledge of what is critical thinking by both definition and practice, (2) Validate through a series of articles, books, and scholarly documents on how critical thinking has individual and societal benefits and hindrances.
What is Critical Thinking?
Socrates is considered among many scholars to be the “Ideal critical thinker.” His method of questioning and cross-examining positions was known as the ‘Socratic Method’ and was characterized after the technique he used in Plato’s (470-347 BC) earliest dialogues. In one of Plato’s most famous works, Apology, where Socrates is on trial for impiety, and corrupting the youth of Athens “He assures his accusers that his death sentence would guarantee that the world would know that he was executed for the crime of thinking for himself and encouraging others to do the same” (Carroll, p.3). Critical thinking affords us the opportunity to seek truth in a systemic manner rather than rely on opinions, which are beliefs or conclusions held with confidence but not substantiated by knowledge or proof. A more recent definition says, “Critical thinking is the careful application of reason in the determination of whether a claim is true” (Parker& Moore, Critical Thinking, 2005). Linguist and cognitive scientist, Noam Chomsky (1928) says this about truth; “the search for truth is a cooperative, unending endeavor. We can and should engage in it to the extent we can and encourage others to do so as well, seeking to free ourselves from constraints imposed by coercive institutions, dogma, irrationality, excessive conformity and lack of initiative and imagination, and numerous other obstacles”. To engage in the level of “truth seeking” the aforementioned authors and scholars cite, often requires a significant shift in the lens by which we view the world and ourselves.
The Practice of Critical Thinking
There is no easy way to develop the intellectual traits of critical thinking.
Thus, a deliberate effort must be made to acquire the inherent skill and ability to understand how to apply this new way of thinking. This process begins with becoming familiar with the foundational tools, qualities and methods that facilitate the practice of this discipline. Robert Todd Carroll (b.1946), PhD, an American writer and academic outlines in his book “ Becoming A Critical Thinker” (2005), the three most important areas of philosophy related to critical thinking. They are logic, epistemology and ethics. He defines them as follows:
- Logic: studies the principles of valid and invalid reasoning
- Epistemology: studies the origin, nature and limits of knowledge
- Ethics: evaluates of the morality of actions
These foundational constructs are inextricably linked to qualities all critical to be put into practice. These qualities include:
Truth seeking: Critical thinkers want to know the truth. In their quest,
they are willing to consider and even accept ideas that undermine there
assumptions or self-interest. These thinkers follow reason and evidence
wherever they lead.
Open-minded: A skilled critical thinker not only recognizes that
people disagree—she values this fact. She respects the right of others to
express different views. Beyond seeking out a variety of viewpoints,
critical thinkers check their speaking and thinking for signs of bias.
Analytical: The critical thinker recognizes statements that call for
evidence. He is alert to potential problems. In addition, the critical
thinker foresees possible consequences of adopting a point of view.
Systematic: Staying organized and focused are two more qualities of a
critical thinker. She’s willing to patiently gather evidence, test ideas,
and stay with a tough or complex question.
Self-confident: This quality of a critical thinker supports the others.
Since he trusts his intellectual skills, the critical thinker is willing to
seek the truth, listen with an open mind, and do the hard and useful
work of thinking.
Inquisitive: The critical thinker wants to know. She is hungry for facts
and concepts. She is willing to explore the universe of ideas even
before she knows how to apply the insights she gains.
Mature: As a mature person, the critical thinker possesses wisdom
born of experience. He understands that a problem can have several
solutions—even solutions that seem to contradict each other. He resists
the desire to reach quick, superficial answer, and he is willing to
suspend judgment when evidence is incomplete. At the same time, he
recognizes that human beings are often called to act before all the facts
are in.
Benefits and Hindrances of Critical Thinking
Norman Vincent Peale (1898-1993) respected author and theologian is quoted as saying, “Change your thoughts…you change your world.” The practice of critical thinking has transformational capability and is beneficial to both the individual and society. Individuals are more open –minded, skeptical yet tentative and are less likely to allow emotions to rule. Critical thinking fosters self-confidence, humility and resolve to search for truth regardless of where it may lead. Critical thinking makes you more self-aware. It causes you to see the world not just though your eyes but through those whose arguments you are evaluating. A society that trains its people to critically think raises the bar on “truth seeking”. Arguments in the media that are more rhetorical than substance, more opinion that truth, will crumble under the weight of public debate and discourse. Inaccuracies in reporting would be discovered more readily resulting in a higher level of accountability of media sources. This kind of progressive change would potentially invalidate Walter Lippmann’s (1928-1974) thesis in his book “Public Opinion” (1921), where he reason’s that the media and ultimately the masses lacked the ability to think critically. This lack of capability was due to media misinformation and the inability of the public to reconcile the mental models in their head to reality.
With all the stated benefits there are also hindrances; Carroll says” We should not expect critical thinking to lead to universal agreement on all issues, even on important ones about which there is abundant information and general agreement on the facts.” Ignorance, bias, Self –handicapping (Berglas, 1990), and fixed intelligence (Dweck, 2002), are barriers to exercising critical thinking individually and in society at large. Michael Scriven (1928), author and academic reminds us, “critical thinking of any kind is never universal in any additional individual, everyone is subject to episodes of undisciplined and irrational thought”. (Francis A. Kerns, Suzanne M. Bean, 2009,p.261)
Conclusion:
Critical thinking in essence is “truth seeking” built on the foundations of Logic, ethics and epistemology. The practice of critical thinking requires characteristics such, truth seeking, an open-mind, analytic capability, self-confidence, inquisitiveness, and maturity. Hindrances to critical thinking also exist.
Ignorance and bias are impediments and every individual is subject to episodes of irrational thought. Building capability in the discipline of critical thinking benefits individuals in a number of ways that include, improving self-awareness, self-confidence and a framework to consciously consider alternative arguments other your own. Critical thinkers help to create a more enlightened public that can help society at large. Since embarking on this area of study, my personal habits with respect to critical thinking have changed. My recent tendency is to be more attentive and listen for both the argument of media sources or advertising to try and ascertain someone is trying to get me to do believe.
As a Media psychologist the importance of practicing critical thinking is a skill that must be continually nurtured and developed, because for me the benefits far out weigh the barriers we often face when putting critical thinking into action.
References:
Carroll, Robert Todd (2003, The Skeptic’s Dictionary: A collection of Strange Beliefs, Amusing Deceptions & Dangerous Delusions. Wiley & Sons.
Dweck, Carol S. (2002), “ Beliefs that make smart people Dumb. ”In why Smart People Can be can be So Stupid, ed. Robert J. Sternberg. Yale University Press.
Ellis, David B. (2009). Becoming a master student, 12th edition, p. 207. Houghton, Mifflin.
Kerns, Francis A, Bean, Suzanne M. (2009). Methods, and materials for teaching the gifted: “Critical thinking. Scriven, Michael, Paul, Richard. Prufolk Press.
Moore, Brooke Noel. (2005). Critical thinking, 9th edition. McGraw HIll
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