Dinner and discussion: "Critical Thinking"

Via the internet, social media, television and other means of communication, we are often bombarded with information but much of it is unverified. For example, modern world problems, like international conflicts, climate change, the morality of developing Artificial Intelligence, and public health issues, are complex and often interrelated or interdependent with other problems. These subjects are more than occasionally reported in the communication media in a shallow way by people, who have an ideological position to promote or a vested interest to sponsor and protect.

Experiencing the information bombing raises the question: How can we discern what is fact and what is fiction on a subject of public importance from the sources available to us? How can a philosopher, who seeks truth and wisdom, judge what is true about a stated proposition or assertion?

Many educators teach that “critical thinking” helps us distinguish fact from opinion, and truth from misinformation. Using evidence and logic, instead of gut feeling or close-minded prejudice, they believe critical thinking enables us to navigate issues with reasoned judgment rather than knee-jerk reactions.

The term "critical thinking" was popularised in the early 20th century, but the concept itself has roots in ancient philosophy, particularly in the work of Socrates, who used questioning to challenge assumptions and seek clarity.

According to the Monash University’s webpage on the subject, “Critical thinking is a kind of thinking in which you question, analyse, interpret, evaluate and make a judgement about what you read, hear, say, or write. The term ‘critical’ comes from the Greek word kritikos meaning ‘able to judge or discern’. Good critical thinking is about making reliable judgements based on reliable information.” https://www.monash.edu/student-academic-success/enhance-your-thinking/critical-thinking/what-is-critical-thinking

During our next dinner and discussion, we propose to take a critical look at critical thinking, and we propose to discuss at least these questions:

• How useful are the concept of and the methods used in critical thinking?
• How do we deal with our natural biases to make sure that they don’t prevent us from being objective about a proposition that is put to us?
• What are the main shortcomings of critical thinking as it is often practised in academia and by the fourth estate?

We welcome you to come and put your views to our group on the validity and utility of critical thinking in an environment that respects the right of people to be heard with dignity in an endeavour to find the truth of relevant philosophical matters.

Mark Andrews
Event Organiser