Helping people towards critical thinking
Im the moderator of a discussion forum on another website and while theres a lot of good and interesting discussion, some of the members also display an amazing lack of critical thinking skills.
Frequent problems include conspiracy theories, where people seem unable to differentiate between a credible source and basically just some guys blog on the Internet. An example, in these days of covid-19, is the claim that the coronavirus is a bio weapon developed in a lab. Credible sources like the Pasteur Institute and Nature are rejected in favour of unsubstantiated assertions. (Ironically, the people who do this believe this makes them the sceptics.) When asked for evidence of the assertions being made, the response is that no one has proved the claims are not true. Classic Russells teapot stuff.
Another frequent occurrence is whataboutism (or tu quoque). One person criticises Trump for corruption and another responds with, What about the allegations of insider trading against Nancy Pelosi? One member brings up Joe Bidens verbal gaffes and another responds with, What about Trumps inability to string a sentence together?
You get the point. It becomes frustrating.
So Im thinking of starting a topic about critical thinking in the forum, actually trying to guide people towards developing their critical thinking skills and their debating skills, to raise the overall level of argument in the forum.
But how to do this in a way that people will respond to positively? If it comes off as patronising or critical it will miss its objective.
Any thoughts?
Hmmm, this is difficult. How to introduce critical thinking and skeptical ideas to a "lay" audience?
I think you have to be seen as friendly and approachable as possible and try to emphasise what you both have in common. Find your common ground and build from there. But you're right, it's hard to find the right balance and not be seen as patronising or critical. I guess you just have to gently plant seeds of doubt if they have unsubstantiated beliefs. Or just show them your method of reasoning as an example of how you came to your conclusion.
One thing a friend of mine does on a forum is introduce the "logical fallacy of the week". So every week, he briefly discusses a logical fallacy (ad hominem, straw man, argument from authority, etc) and gives some examples. He's trying to gently and plant the seeds of critical thinking without appearing aggressive or mocking. But it's not an easy thing to do! Good luck!!!
Nice idea. From my observation, as soon as an opinion is expressed, a counter-opinion is posted, which claims that not only is the OP wrong, but it's the fault of the government, or the CIA/MI5 (or whoever is the most secret this week!). Then there's the argument about rights. Now we don't have a Bill of Rights in Australia, but that doesn't stop many people claiming that the lockdown infringes our "rights", as if there's a poster with a list of rights on every street corner. Finally, whichever political party is in power, there always seems to be a majority of people who say they are the worst ever government! Now I know that our election processes are complex, but just perhaps, the majority is silent...? Cheers.
Good luck with that.
Critical thinking is a cultural value. If it's not being taught in school and encouraged by greater society then it's not gonna be there. Only an intelligent few who put in the work will have critical thinking skills. At least in the United States, teaching critical thinking skills is doomed to be an uphill battle.
From what I've seen in US culture (and on social media), "winning" a debate is not about who has the most scientifically sound argument, but who shouts the loudest.
That said, I appreciate your desire to teach critical thinking. I hope you find people willing to learn.
@Tony
Yes, I had also thought about a "logical fallacy of the week" approach, highlighting some of the common things I see on the forum (without giving specific examples from the actual forum, of course).
@Dave
Yeah, it's astonishing the conspiracies people believe, coronavirus being only the latest thing bringing it out. I just can't relate to the level of fear and paranoia that underpins these kinds of beliefs.
I start all my Masters-level classes talking about critical thinking, what it means, and how it will be implemented and evaluated in their learning objectives. I teach that first and foremost it is problem solving using information and data available. In my statistics class we look at all the fallacies of poor data collection and the conclusions drawn from them. I'm so tired of conspiracy theory thinking and those who are unable to evaluate fact from fiction.
I am Principal Examiner in an international A level in Thinking Skills and co-author of the endorsed textbook for the course. My half of the syllabus is Critical Thinking. So I would be happy to contribute to this topic anything within my power.
I was also P E for a UK A level in Critical Thinking until it was regrettably discontinued 2 years ago. My paper was entitled Ethical Reasoning and Decision-Making. You may be interested to know that I once prepared a question paper on the issue of naturism (specifically, should councils in coastal areas set aside a beach as clothing-optional), and it was rejected on the grounds that male candidates would not take it seriously and would therefore be disadvantaged.
This is a great idea. I don't think you should have any problems as along as your intentions are honest. Also, if it helps, I would suggest adding a disclaimer that makes it clear that the purpose of this forum is to learn. Anyone who displays aggressive/rude and/or other unacceptable behavior may be removed from the forum. We certainly do need more critical thinkers in the world.
@Tony and @ Victor-I salute u guys and hope for success in this project. I do not wish to be a DebbieDowner but believe critical thinking is beyond the realm of possibilities for most. You can hit people square in the face with facts, moreover asking them to substantiate the things they say with facts and they will stare blankly back at you while saying what does that matter. Critical thinking is discouraged and in a variety of ways banned and outlawed. Just look at Florida-Shakespeare is now banned in public schools! SMH! Critical thinking is a threat to those in power. Its funny but those touting its my right and its my freedom fail to realize what they are giving up is actuall FREEDOM
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