PRAGMATISM & CRITICAL THINKING. . .

I have been writing a bit about ‘Pragmatism & Democracy’ and I noted that the Pragmatist is by nature (either first nature or second nature) one who is committed to being a Critical Thinker. If you are searching for a book or an essay that focuses on Critical Thinking there exists a plethora of books and essays which focus on Critical Thinking, its importance and its development [Amazon.com is quite helpful in sorting through the many choices available]. Space limits us to no more than a brief exploration; so, gentle reader, here are a few ideas about Critical Thinking that might stimulate your thinking and curiosity in ways that encourage you (or is it ‘challenge you’) to go deeper still.

‘Mature’ Critical Thinkers are committed to the following (these are not the only commitments they have – again, given our limited space these are the ones I have chosen to share today):

• They are committed to ‘getting it right’ to the extent that this is possible. In order to ‘get it right’ they will (a) strive to uncover their deep tacit assumptions about. . .AND decide whether to affirm them, modify them, or discard them (and then replace them), (b) strive to seek out, seek to understand and become open to being influenced by a variety of explanations, ideas, conclusions, considerations, (c) strive to seriously consider alternative points of view, (d) strive to become well informed, (e) strive to support, if not directly endorse, a position as a result of their critical thinking.

• They are committed to understanding in order to present an idea, conclusion, position, etc. with clarity rooted in integrity (whether it be their idea, conclusion, etc. or the ideas, conclusions, etc. of others’). Thus, they are committed to (a) discerning and listening intently and receptively to the others’ views and reasoning, (b) seeking clarity regarding ‘intended meaning’ (verbal, written and non-verbal communications), (c) focusing on the ‘topic’ or ‘question,’ (d) being ‘reflectively’ awake and aware and intentional and purpose-full.

• They are committed to being empathetic and caring. Thus as empathetic and caring critical thinkers they (a) strive to avoid intimidating others by using their critical thinking skills and abilities to ‘silence’ the other, (b) strive to ‘walk in the others’ shoes’ – for example, to ‘see the world through their eyes,’ (c) demonstrate caring for and about the other by inviting and honoring their ‘voice’ and ‘story’ and ‘thinking,’ (d) always seek to respect the person.

These three ‘bones’ need some muscle and flesh and yet they might provide you, gentle reader, with some specifics that you can measure yourself against – especially if you view yourself as a Pragmatist.