3.1 Applications of Critical Thinking

Education

Critical thinking is a vital skill in education as it enables students to think independently, analyze information critically, and develop a deeper understanding of various subjects. It fosters intellectual growth, enhances problem-solving abilities, and prepares individuals for lifelong learning.

Decision-Making

In decision-making processes, critical thinking helps individuals evaluate options, consider potential consequences, and make well-informed choices. It minimizes the influence of biases and emotions, leading to more rational and effective decision-making.

Problem-Solving

Critical thinking is instrumental in problem-solving, as it allows individuals to identify the root causes of problems, analyze different solutions, and evaluate their effectiveness. It promotes creativity, innovation, and the ability to overcome challenges.

Communication

Effective communication requires critical thinking skills to analyze and interpret information, construct coherent arguments, and engage in meaningful dialogue. Critical thinkers can express their ideas clearly, listen actively, and respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, critical thinking is a foundational skill that empowers individuals to think critically, evaluate evidence objectively, and make informed judgments. It is closely intertwined with philosophical inquiry and finds applications in various areas of life, including education, decision-making, problem-solving, and communication. Developing and honing critical thinking skills is essential for personal and intellectual growth. of whether a claim is objectively true.

Beliefs & Life

To critically examine your beliefs is to critically examine your own life and how you choose to live it. For your beliefs, in large measure, define your life. Our thinking guides our actions, so it should be of a high quality.

3.2 Critics of Critical Thinking

Claim that the mitigated skepticism which often accompanies philosophical inquiry makes people cold and unemotional; is the enemy of creativity.

What does critical thinking INVOLVE?

• Openness to other points of view
• Tolerance for opposing perspectives
• Focus on the issue(s) at hand
• Fairness in assessing arguments and evidence

What critical thinking does NOT mean:

• Passivity in absorbing any ideas we encounter.
• Refusal to consider any alternative explanations or theories.
• Deferment automatically conforming our ideas to the wishes of the group (peer pressure /group think).
• Fatalism in letting our thinking be controlled by bias, stereotypes, and wishful thinking

[INSERT TRIPARTITE SOUL INFOGRAPHIC]

What does critical thinking OFFER?

• Skills for learning and exploring
• Defense against error, manipulation, and prejudice.
• Tools for self-discovery and problem-solving
• Discernment for determining which beliefs are justified

3.3 Why It Matters: The Value of Philosophy [forthcoming]

Recommended Reading: Bertrand Russell CHAPTER XV: THE VALUE OF PHILOSOPHY The Problems of Philosophy

• Value of philosophy is in the questions, not the answers themselves.
  • Many problems with philosophy
  • Mostly arise from a misunderstanding
  • Indirect effect on lives of those who study it
  • Effect: free from “practicality”
  • Needs of mind = Needs of body
• Staying in private world:
  • Distorts objects by making them conform to what we already believe
  • Prevents union of Self and Not-Self
  • Prison
• Expand object of contemplation and subject contemplating
  • Critical examination of convictions, prejudices, and beliefs (actions)
  • Process: Philosophical Questions
  • Result: Diminished certainty
• No definite answers
  • Become sensitive to possible answers
  • Stokes speculative interest in world
  • Never-ending exploration and deeper understanding of questions themselves
  • Thus uniting the “Self” and “Not-Self”
• PRACTICE: [INSERT Self & Not-Self Activity]