Wither Critical Thinking?
“Stick close to your desk and never go to sea…”
Uno, un, един, ein, এক, ichi, egy, yut, တစ်ခု, hana, isa, ਇਕ, satu, bir, واحد, หนึ่ง
A Buddhist monk walks up to a hotdog vendor and says make me one with everything.
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So, you go to school: read, read, read, learn, learn, learn, write, write, write.
Then, you go to college: read, read, read, think, think, think, write, write, write.
The thinking part.
Let’s take a closer look at the thinking part. At the college level, thinking = critical thinking.
What is it?
Critical thinking (CT) is a cognitive process: the analyzing and evaluating information, arguments, and ideas in a logical and systematic manner. A way of thinking that goes beyond simply accepting or rejecting information at face value. CT involves questioning assumptions, considering an array of perspectives, and applying reasoning and evidence to make informed judgments or decisions.
In thinking critically, individuals actively engage with information, seeking to understand its relevance, accuracy, and reliability. They evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of arguments, identify logical fallacies or biases, and assess the credibility of sources.
Critical thinkers consider the implications and consequences of different ideas or actions, and they are open to revising their beliefs or opinions based on new evidence or reasoning.
In developing critical thinking skills, individuals become effective problem solvers, decision makers, and communicators. It helps to enhance analytical skills, creativity, and the ability to think independently.
CT is critical in academics, professional settings, and valuable in everyday situations in making informed judgments and decisions.
These days I teach courses focusing on critical thinking.
Some students are naturally good at it. Others rise to the challenge and hone their skills over time. Hopefully, it becomes a habit. Second nature. In an academic setting: classroom discussion and written assignments, CT is expected. It is the standard in college education.
In the real world?
Outside, in the real world, do students and the rest of us continue to think critically about the important issues of the day? No way.
Too hard, too risky
Critical thinking is hard, slow, expensive, “outsider”, challenger and “risky”.
Critical thinking is not natural.
Short, quick survival thinking is natural. Bears don’t think critically. Lizards are not analyzing issues. Caribou don’t think deeply about issues from multiple perspectives.
Just (don’t) do it
In the real world, it is easy, quick and arguably smarter to go with the flow. Go with the status quo.
Don’t stand out.
Don’t speak out.
Don’t challenge authority.
Toe the party line
Lest ye be shunned, ostracized, demoted, fired or worse, cancelled.
Be safe: don’t think for yourself.
We are tribal. Go with the tribe.
When I was a lad
Often in thinking about this I recall the song from Gilbert and Sullivan’s H.M.S. Pinafore. If you are not familiar, I am happy to introduce you to it.
I am the monarch of the Sea (video)…When I was a Lad (lyrics)
Especially this verse:
I grew so rich that I was sent
By a pocket borough into Parliament.
I always voted at my party's call,
And I never thought of thinking for myself at all.
(He never thought of thinking for himself at all.)
I thought so little, they rewarded me
By making me the Ruler of the Queen's Navee!
Pretty good, back in 1878. One more:
“I always voted at my party’s call and I never thought of thinking for myself at all”
Now you live in the era of memes, social media and most people getting news and opinions instantly from very few sources. Do people take the time to take deep dives into the issues and comb the independent media for differing facts, information and perspectives? Nope.
Too much effort. Takes to long.
Everyone thinks what everyone thinks
Do whatever you need to do to:
a) get the job
b) keep the job
c) move up in the company
d) get accepted
e) stay in the “in group”
I am an outsider
Me? I am an outsider. Always have been. Not (always) by choice. Am I an outsider because I think differently? Or, do I think differently because I am an outsider?
It’s a hard life
Critical thinking is taught in school. It is expected of us, but in the real world who needs it? In the real world it’s a hard life, and getting harder, to have and share thoughts and opinions.
So… who needs critical thinking?
“Stick close to your desk and never go to sea
And you all may be Rulers of the Queen's Navee!”
— Gilbert and Sullivan, H.M.S. Pinafore
ONE more thing:
"Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect"
— Mark Twain
Twain's quote suggests that blindly following the opinions of the majority may not always be the best course of action. It is a call to reflect on one's own beliefs and values and to not be swayed by popular opinion.