What Happened to the Skill of Critical Thinking?
NOW is time for a critical thinking revival.
As a collective of free individuals, America has a long cultural history of logical thought, problem-solving, creative thinking, and building “get it done” solutions. However, that culture has shifted today.
Reasoned thought is a limited commodity in our modern world.
Much of today's logic is based on a random false premise to push an agenda. Yet, the solution is accepted as truth because the argument follows logic! That is how opinion replaces truth, and the laws of science and nature are frustrated.
According to a 2018 MindEdge Critical Thinking Study, Only four in ten “Twenty-Thirty Somethings” have confidence they are trained in critical thinking.
Further, 64% of the age group rely on social media for news, and 40% believe they can employ critical thinking skills to discern “fake news.”
That study was conducted six years ago. Perhaps there is some more current empirical data available. I have searched but cannot find anything more current.
So, I must rely on personal observation to draw current conclusions.
What I see in the world is not promising.
It seems to me essential critical thinking and problem-solving skills are lacking for the most part.
My soul aches for those of the younger generations currently wrestling with issues such as identity, race, career, spirituality, culture, personal sovereignty, natural laws, and basic life skills, to name a few.
Technology is great but comes with a downside.
Recent generations have immediate access to more information through technology than at any other time in history. What a great blessing and curse!
Technology in and of itself is not helping critical thinking processes. It may be hindering young learners’ ability to think clearly. Plus, tech sensory deprivation diminishes core interpersonal relationships.
How much media violence, pornography, and deep fake imagery can a kid be subjected to without dementing their fragile sense of reality?
The ability to nurture critical thinking skills relies upon learning how to parse the information available into data that fosters critical thinking.
Deciding what information qualifies for consumption is an essential thinking skill in its own right!
That is why we must return to the habit of clear thinking as soon as possible.
There is a direct link between behavior and personal morality and values.
Like me, you can probably recall an adolescent time when an exasperated parent asked, “What were you thinking?”
The truth is, we were probably not thinking at the time and simply doing.
Personal morality and values provide the “why” to living life.
There is a better chance to match behavior with a positive outcome when a person knows and can explain why they are doing what they are doing.
Critical thinking skills go a long way in answering life’s “why” questions.
The impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the critical thinking skills
Millennials and Generation Z are faced with both concerns and optimism when considering how AI influences their generations:
Dependency on Technology: As AI tools become more integrated into daily life and work, there's a growing concern that millennials may become too dependent on these technologies. This could lead to a decline in their critical thinking and creativity skills, as they rely more on AI for problem-solving than independently developing these skills.
Trust in Online Information: Generation Z, having grown up in the digital era, is reported to exhibit a notable trust in online information, which could undermine their critical thinking. They lack essential sound thinking skills, possibly because of their frequent interactions with digital and AI-driven platforms.
Enhancing Productivity and Decision-Making: On the optimistic side, AI is recognized for its potential to automate repetitive tasks, improve decision-making through data analysis, and free up younger workers to focus on more complex and creative tasks, potentially enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Need for Enhanced Critical Thinking: In an age where AI is prevalent, the demand for robust critical thinking skills is more pronounced. As AI takes over more routine and analytical tasks, the human workforce—including millennials and Gen Z—must cultivate more profound critical thinking abilities to manage more complex and ethical decisions.
How can critical thinking skills be improved?
Developing critical thinking skills takes education, practice, and persistence.
Here are some practical ways for younger generations to improve their critical thinking skills:
1. Engage with different viewpoints.
Exposure to different opinions and perspectives can help develop critical thinking skills. Respectful discussions and logical debates with people holding different views can open the mind to new dimensions. Review other news sources and books and attend events with speakers with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
2. Teach the art of inquiry.
Asking good questions to clarify information and deepen the understanding of a topic helps. Questions like: What is the evidence for this claim? What are the assumptions behind this argument? What are the potential implications of this decision?
3. Evaluate information sources.
Take the time to dive deeper into the reliability and credibility of sources, whether it's a news article, a research paper, or a social media post. Consider factors like the author's qualifications, the source's bias, and what verifiable evidence backs up the information.
4. Make the time to practice logic and reasoning.
Video games do require a lot of quick thinking and decision-making. Analog puzzles, games, and exercises require another thinking skill set. Mind teasers like Sudoku puzzles, logic games, or riddles are good examples. Both digital and analog gaming have a place in training the human mind to think critically.
5. Seek feedback.
Asking a trusted teacher, a mentor, or a friend for a fair opinion on personal thinking processes can open new horizons of thought. Joining a book club, a debate team, or a discussion group provides an environment to practice articulating thoughts and ideas and receive feedback from others.
6. Slow down and reflect on personal thinking processes and decision-making.
Consider what assumptions are being made, what biases may exist, and what factors may influence thinking. Taking time to ponder can help develop a more self-aware and critical approach to thinking.
Let’s get back to morally defined personal behavior.
Each of us has a life to live according to our moral imperative and chosen path!
That state of mind and agency is called freedom.
For our culture to survive, enough must come together and return to the basics of clear thinking and statesmanship.
Keep an Eye Out
Part of our mission within The Fifty-two Seven Alliance is to promote a renaissance of critical thinking and other life skills by sharing core principles on related topics.
Please stay tuned!
Thanks for reading and thinking for yourself! Be sure to subscribe so you can experience future posts.
Russell Anderson
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P.S. Helping each other publish peace and tidings of great joy is a big part of what we hope to accomplish with the Fifty-two Seven Alliance. You are invited to join us in this endeavor when you are ready!
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