The need and role of critical thinking

[Dr B]

Our brains are biased to process information in a particular way - this aids fast effective decision making. However, this often leads to error in decision. Good examples are things like, heuristics, chance-baseline shifts, chance and random perception, etc.

For me critical thinking helps overcome the shortcomings of heuristics and natural cognitive biases. However, we need to be sure we do not fall into the trap of being critical for critical sake.

Let me give an example. Anyone who has ever tried to get a paper published in a peer-reviewed journal of high standing will know that some reviewers talk bollocks :D Some criticisms are just ridiculous and have no bearing on the systematic effects one might be trying to report. However, reviewers often feel they 'simply have to be critical'. This is not strictly true. If the study is good (good methods, evidence, data, analyses, premises, logic, reason) with a good interpretation - then thinking critically also means acknowledging that!!!!!

Critical thinking is not just about identifying fallacies - but spotting good sound work as well (or thats how I approach it when i review the work of others for journals or grant bodies). Lets have balance here!!!!

Has anyone here got any good examples of when critical thinking many have been applied inappropriately????

[Admin]

I think that 'critical thinking' is another label that gets misinterpreted. It gets confused with criticism and also with debunking. Not that there's anything wrong with either of those.

Critical thinking is not about criticising things for the sake of it, it's a mode of thought that, ideally, leads to the truth in matters. It's about the intelligent processing of information rather than simply accepting information.

It's a wide area without a single, easy definition, but I think it's the use of rationalism, logic, recognising logical fallacies, evaluating and explaining ideas and information.

Skepticism is about finding the truth in matters, so critical thinking is an essential piece of kit in the skeptic's toolbox.

A skeptic: some who looks both ways before crossing a one way street. 8)

[Nucular]

Has anyone here got any good examples of when critical thinking many have been applied inappropriately????

What about when bleevers are suddenly confronted with sound and rational argument? Suddenly standards of evidence and logic increase in stringency, and from "look, people have told me it's true, why would they lie?" it's "well where did you read that? How do you know it's true? Why would you believe what the drug companies say?" Et cetera ad nauseam.

So yes, not applied inappropriately, but certainly selectively

[Admin]

Conspiracy theorists are another group who can be very good at spotting inconsistencies and fallacies in 'official' reports etc. It's just a shame they aren't so good at applying the same logic to their own ideas.

[Dr B]

After many meetings and fights (not literally of course....I am a nice guy...honest....) I have managed to get a specific Critical Thinking course on the undergrad degree at my uni.

It will be based around the document I wrote (John and Teek have a copy if anyone wants to take a look). So far its just going to be a 1-hour lecture, a seminar, some further reading, and my document - but it is a start!!!!

Departments have reduced modules like this in recent years so we are going against the trend - it is also a bit more teaching work for me - but hey, this is one thing I do feel strongly about in our science education courses.... 8)

Onwards and upwards.....

[tkingdoll]

Yay! Well done Dr B - can I come and sit in on the class? :D

[Admin]

We could also use it if/when we get around to putting a short course together.

The critical thinking factsheet will be available soon.

[Dr B]

Teek - you are more than welcome....as long as you keep nodding in a "yes...that all makes sense" kind of way 8)

John - I would be delighted to help out with future courses.....as long as time allows......

[Admin]

John - I would be delighted to help out with future courses.....as long as time allows......

Excellent

We're still sorting out getting on our feet really but it's definitely something I would like to do.

[tkingdoll]

Teek - you are more than welcome....as long as you keep nodding in a "yes...that all makes sense" kind of way 8)

I would wear my Randi beard and stroke it knowingly. I also do a good line in saying "I concur"

[vbloke]

Maybe once I've graduated, I could offer courses in Homeopathy

[Mongrel]

Maybe once I've graduated, I could offer courses in Homeopathy

"Hi, Thanks for coming. It's B*******!. £200 please, cheques payable to ......"

[vbloke]

you read my mind...

[Dr B]

The good news is the students have really enjoyed the lecture and the support materials I have provided. The staff are also reacting in a positive manner. It may be that we will soon be putting CT (thats critical thinking btw) back on the undergrad programme more substantially and more formally.

I have heard a rumour that some staff are discussing coming and seeing me about developing it further - what can I say - I'm chuffed - but also really impressed that most decent students have risen to it......I feel a 'Mr Chips' moment coming on....

[Araneus]

Critical thinking is the sort of subject that can theoretically be made very interesting, with real-life examples, puzzles and so on. I suspect if it was made more widely available it could potentially become quite popular.