How to Begin Thinking Critically

Begin Thinking Critically

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Critical thinking involves going past assumptions, highlighting them and then analyzing and debating alternatives. Critical thinking is important in that our individual thoughts and cultural views become our actions and policies. Toleration for ambiguity is key in critical thinking, as things tend not to be "black or white" but rather gray and murky. Honest scientists recognize that even their truths are provisional or tentative, meaning they are subject to modification or even outright falsification as more data are gathered.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Be aware of your assumptions. We make assumptions all of the time, many of which may be required to abide in life in a practical manner. Some such assumptions include the idea that placing one's hand in a flame will produce pain and that leaping from a tall building will cause death. These are sound assumptions.

Other assumptions are made that may not be quite so necessary. These often take the form of conventions.

Step2

Mississippi Burning arraignment Beware of assumptions. "Segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever!" This was George Wallace's credo upon delivering his 1963 inauguration speech as governor of Alabama. It is an example of an implicit assumption, based upon a provincial convention, that's not necessary (nor desirable) but has been assumed as such.

This variety of assumption dictates that "ought" follows from "is." Wallace's "appeal" is to the human weakness for presuming that present practices or values are necessary, good and true merely because they have been accepted for a long period.

Step3

Highlight your assumptions. Learn to spot them almost reflexively. Note any assumptions you uncover and expose them to others, especially if they are related to social or political practices.

Step4

Follow Nietzche's advice. The 19th Century philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche wrote a book called "Twilight of the Idols," which was subtitled "How One Philosophizes With a Hammer." He refers to philosophizing with a hammer "as with a tuning fork". Idols (for our purposes, broadly revered assumptions) are struck with the hammer, and listened to for hollowness, solidity and overall quality. Should such dogmas ring hollow, I think this is where the "hammer" part of the meaning follows the tuning fork aspect.

Step5

John Stuart Mill Debate alternatives. Another 19th Century philosopher, John Stuart Mill, wrote a book, "On Liberty", in which he included a chapter titled "Of the Liberty of Thought and Discussion." In this chapter, Mill defends thought and discussion (critical thinking and its dissemination) on the basis of four arguments.

1. That popular opinion might be wrong;
2. That even if true, popular opinion undiscussed becomes "dead dogma" 3. True opinion undebated loses its meaning; and
4. Usually truth resides neither in one position nor its contrary, but rather someplace in between.

This last argument speaks to a tolerance of ambiguity and the courage to operate in gray areas, as opposed to "black or white" binaries.