CRITICAL THINKING
by Antonio C. Antonio
August 13, 2014
The photo of the statue in this article is of Socrates, the
father of critical thinking. But what is
Critical Thinking?
To answer this question, please allow me to reprint the last
two paragraphs of an article I wrote last March 5, 2014 (“Critical Thinking:
Tatak UP” published on http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/):
“I’m glad Yga mentioned “critical
thinking”… this is a vital component in the intellectual skillset of anyone who
has the “Tatak UP.” “Critical” means crucial and gives the sense of discernment
and judgement. Here are some views on critical thinking: “The skill and propensity
to engage in an activity with reflective scepticism” (McPeck, 1981) and
“Disciplined, self-directed thinking which exemplifies the perfection of
thinking appropriate to a particular mode of domain of thinking” (Paul,
1989).
Core critical thinking skills include (1) observation, (2) interpretation, (3) analysis, (4) inference, (5) evaluation, (6) explanation and (7) metacognition. Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as (a) clarity, (b) credibility, (c) accuracy, (d) precision, (e) relevance, (f) depth, (g) breadth, (h) significance and (i) fairness. Critical thinking, therefore, is simply a disciplined way of thinking which is clear, rational, open-minded and informed by evidence. “Tatak UP” will even go beyond the mere motions of intelligently answering questions but question the question until the right and relevant question is presented. In my mind, ito ang “Tatak UP”… and I’m glad my daughter and I shoot in the same direction on this matter.” (NOTE: “Yga” is my daughter, Prof./Atty. Regatta Marie A. Antonio of the University of the Philippines in Manila.)
Core critical thinking skills include (1) observation, (2) interpretation, (3) analysis, (4) inference, (5) evaluation, (6) explanation and (7) metacognition. Critical thinking employs not only logic but broad intellectual criteria such as (a) clarity, (b) credibility, (c) accuracy, (d) precision, (e) relevance, (f) depth, (g) breadth, (h) significance and (i) fairness. Critical thinking, therefore, is simply a disciplined way of thinking which is clear, rational, open-minded and informed by evidence. “Tatak UP” will even go beyond the mere motions of intelligently answering questions but question the question until the right and relevant question is presented. In my mind, ito ang “Tatak UP”… and I’m glad my daughter and I shoot in the same direction on this matter.” (NOTE: “Yga” is my daughter, Prof./Atty. Regatta Marie A. Antonio of the University of the Philippines in Manila.)
On the possibility that critical
thinking can be taught in school, John Passmore wrote: “If
being critical consisted simply in the application of a skill then it could in
principle be taught by teachers who never engaged in it except as a game or
defensive device, somewhat as a crack rifle shot who happened to be a pacifist
might nevertheless be able to teach rifle-shooting to soldiers. But in fact being critical can be taught only
by men who can themselves freely partake in critical discussion.”
Lately, however, Dennis
Hayes debunked critical thinking as something that could not be taught in
schools: “Many teachers say they strive
to teach their students to be critical thinkers. They even pride themselves on it; after all,
who wants children to just take in knowledge passively? But there is a problem with the widespread
treatment of critical thinking as a skill to be taught. The truth is that you can’t teach people to
be critical unless you are critical yourself.
This involves more than asking young people to “look critically” at
something, as if criticism was a mechanical task. As a teacher, you have to have a critical
spirit. This does not mean moaning
endlessly about education policies you dislike or telling students what they
should think. It means first and
foremost that you are capable of engaging in deep conversation. This means debate and discussion based on
considerable knowledge – something that is almost entirely absent in the
educational world. It also has to take
place in public, with parents and others who are not teachers, not just in the
classroom or staffroom.” (http://io9.com/lets-stop-trying-to-teach-students-critical-thinking-1618729143?utm_campaign=socialflow_io9_facebook&utm_source=io9_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow)
With this information in the background, we could surmise
that only the basics and fundamentals of critical thinking can be taught in
school and that this particular skillset can only be advanced, honed and
polished in the domain of public discourse and debate... with professionalism
and high ethical standards to promote goodwill, understanding and better
friendship. And that critical thinking
cannot be taught by someone who does not possess a “critical spirit” and does
not normally engage in public debates and intellectual discussions. This is another element, of a higher thought
processing plane, of critical thinking.
Just my little thoughts…
(Please visit, like and share Pro EARTH Crusaders and
Landscape Ecology UPOU on Facebook or follow me at http://antonantonio.blogspot.com/)
Critical thinking is essential because it allows individuals to evaluate and analyze information before forming an opinion or making a decision. In today's world, where information is easily accessible and sometimes overwhelming, critical thinking skills enable individuals to discern between reliable sources and misinformation, thus preventing them from being misled. Moreover, critical thinking goes beyond simply accepting or rejecting information; it encourages individuals to delve deeper into complex issues and consider multiple perspectives. This not only enhances one's own understanding but also fosters open-mindedness and empathy toward others. Additionally, critical thinking promotes problem-solving skills and logical reasoning, enabling individuals to identify the underlying causes of problems and develop effective strategies to tackle them. In a rapidly changing world, where innovation and adaptability are crucial, critical thinking provides the foundation for innovation and progress. Thus, it is evident that critical thinking is not only essential but also beneficial in various aspects of life.
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