Western Education & Critical Thinking

Western Western Education & Education &

Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most societies on earth are Most societies on earth are

traditional societiestraditional societies


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most societies on earth are traditional Most societies on earth are traditional

societiessocieties

Knowledge is the society’s greatest treasure.Knowledge is the society’s greatest treasure.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most nations on earth are traditional Most nations on earth are traditional

societiessocieties


Knowledge is not owned by individuals but Knowledge is not owned by individuals but by the society.by the society.



societiessocieties


Knowledge is not owned by individuals but Knowledge is not owned by individuals but by the society.by the society.

Knowledge is passed on from one generation Knowledge is passed on from one generation to another.to another.



societiessocieties

Students in such societies are expected Students in such societies are expected to learn the knowledge of the society.to learn the knowledge of the society.

Memorization is a very important skill, Memorization is a very important skill, and most education requires and most education requires memorization.memorization.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most nations on earth are traditional societiesMost nations on earth are traditional societies

If students question or criticize the knowledge If students question or criticize the knowledge they are receiving, the society is in danger they are receiving, the society is in danger because:because:

such students might not learn what they such students might not learn what they need to learn, or need to learn, or

they might damage the knowledge itself.they might damage the knowledge itself.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most nations on earth are traditional societiesMost nations on earth are traditional societies

In most traditional societies, students are not In most traditional societies, students are not QUALIFIED to question or criticize the QUALIFIED to question or criticize the knowledge of their society until they have knowledge of their society until they have learned it very well, are mature, and have a learned it very well, are mature, and have a good teacher to guide them to the right good teacher to guide them to the right questions to ask.questions to ask.



societiessocieties

The most important values in traditional The most important values in traditional society education are:society education are:



societiessocieties


Memorizing the knowledge you have been given.Memorizing the knowledge you have been given.



societiessocieties


Memorizing the knowledge you have been given.Memorizing the knowledge you have been given. Accepting your teacher as your guide.Accepting your teacher as your guide.



societiessocieties


Memorizing the knowledge you have been given.Memorizing the knowledge you have been given. Accepting your teacher as your guide.Accepting your teacher as your guide. Learning how to pass your knowledge on to others.Learning how to pass your knowledge on to others.



societiessocieties

In a traditional society, you must learn the In a traditional society, you must learn the knowledge of the society before you are knowledge of the society before you are QUALIFIED to criticize it or add to it. Criticism QUALIFIED to criticize it or add to it. Criticism and development of new knowledge is for and development of new knowledge is for QUALIFIED scholars only, because the QUALIFIED scholars only, because the society’s knowledge is too important to have society’s knowledge is too important to have unqualified people criticizing or changing it.unqualified people criticizing or changing it.



societiessocieties

In a Traditional Society, the most unacceptable In a Traditional Society, the most unacceptable behaviors are:behaviors are:

Asking why you have to learn what you are being Asking why you have to learn what you are being taughttaught..



societiessocieties


Asking why you have to learn what you are being Asking why you have to learn what you are being taught.taught. Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not QUALIFIED).QUALIFIED).



societiessocieties


Asking why you have to learn what you are being Asking why you have to learn what you are being taught.taught. Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not QUALIFIED).QUALIFIED). Criticizing the knowledge you are being given. Criticizing the knowledge you are being given.



societiessocieties


Asking why you have to learn what you are being Asking why you have to learn what you are being taught.taught. Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not Disagreeing with your teacher (since you are not QUALIFIED).QUALIFIED). Criticizing the knowledge you are being given. Criticizing the knowledge you are being given. Suggesting new solutions to problems if your Suggesting new solutions to problems if your professor has not suggested them first. professor has not suggested them first.



societiessocieties

Education in a Traditional Society has a long and Education in a Traditional Society has a long and honored history. It is the DISCIPLESHIP MODEL used honored history. It is the DISCIPLESHIP MODEL used from ancient times and found in the relationship from ancient times and found in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Its features are:between Jesus and his disciples. Its features are:



societiessocieties


A teacher with great knowledge who has proven A teacher with great knowledge who has proven that he can be trusted with the traditions of the that he can be trusted with the traditions of the society.society.



societiessocieties


A teacher with great knowledge who has proven A teacher with great knowledge who has proven that he can be trusted with the traditions of the that he can be trusted with the traditions of the society.society. Students who submit to the teacher in order to Students who submit to the teacher in order to become like him both in knowledge and in the way become like him both in knowledge and in the way they use their knowledge.they use their knowledge.



societiessocieties

Traditional society education is good Traditional society education is good education. It is not better or worse as an education. It is not better or worse as an education model than Western education. It education model than Western education. It is just is just differentdifferent from Western. from Western.



societiessocieties

In traditional societies, research papers have In traditional societies, research papers have several purposes:several purposes:



societiessocieties

In traditional societies, research papers have several In traditional societies, research papers have several purposes:purposes:

To allow the student to show understanding of a To allow the student to show understanding of a subject area. subject area.



societiessocieties


To allow the student to show understanding of a To allow the student to show understanding of a subject area.subject area. To allow the student to read the best writing of To allow the student to read the best writing of great scholars on a certain subject.great scholars on a certain subject.



societiessocieties


To allow the student to show understanding of a To allow the student to show understanding of a subject area.subject area. To allow the student to read the best writing of To allow the student to read the best writing of great scholars on a certain subject.great scholars on a certain subject. To allow the student to demonstrate that the To allow the student to demonstrate that the teacher’s view on a certain issue is correct.teacher’s view on a certain issue is correct.



societiessocieties

Research Papers must not:Research Papers must not:

Promote views that are not generally accepted by Promote views that are not generally accepted by the society.the society.



societiessocieties


Promote views that are not generally accepted by Promote views that are not generally accepted by the society.the society.Criticize the views of other scholars.Criticize the views of other scholars.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Most nations on earth are Most nations on earth are

traditional societiestraditional societies


Promote views that are not generally accepted by Promote views that are not generally accepted by the society.the society.Criticize the views of other scholars.Criticize the views of other scholars.Suggest new approaches to a subject if the Suggest new approaches to a subject if the professor has not already suggested them. professor has not already suggested them.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Western Society Promotes Knowledge Western Society Promotes Knowledge

as a Means, Not an Endas a Means, Not an End




In Western Society, knowledge is seen In Western Society, knowledge is seen more as a tool to produce new more as a tool to produce new knowledge than as a treasure to be knowledge than as a treasure to be passed on.passed on.




Why is the western view of knowledge Why is the western view of knowledge so different?so different?

Most people in the West have come Most people in the West have come from somewhere else. They have left from somewhere else. They have left behind their traditional cultures.behind their traditional cultures.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Western Society Promotes Knowledge as Western Society Promotes Knowledge as

a Means, Not an Enda Means, Not an End

The West does not have a long history, The West does not have a long history, except for its native people. Thus it has except for its native people. Thus it has few traditions of its own.few traditions of its own.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Western Society Promotes Knowledge as Western Society Promotes Knowledge as

a Means, Not an Enda Means, Not an End

The West believes that knowledge is a The West believes that knowledge is a means or a toolmeans or a tool. Knowledge is not . Knowledge is not valued because of what it valued because of what it isis, but , but because of what it because of what it doesdoes..




The West, in fact, does not really value The West, in fact, does not really value knowledge at all. Knowledge is only knowledge at all. Knowledge is only important if it is important if it is usefuluseful. If no use can . If no use can be found for it, knowledge is often seen be found for it, knowledge is often seen as unimportant and ignored. as unimportant and ignored.




Western education does not find much value in:Western education does not find much value in:Memorization (While some memorization happens, Memorization (While some memorization happens, usually if you need to know something, you can look usually if you need to know something, you can look it up).it up).




Western education does not find much value in:Western education does not find much value in:Memorization (While some memorization happens, Memorization (While some memorization happens, usually if you need to know something, you can look usually if you need to know something, you can look it up).it up).Repeating what others have already said.Repeating what others have already said.




Western education does not find much value in:Western education does not find much value in:Memorization (While some memorization happens, Memorization (While some memorization happens, usually if you need to know something, you can look usually if you need to know something, you can look it up).it up).Repeating what others have already said.Repeating what others have already said.Encouraging students simply to accept what the Encouraging students simply to accept what the professor says without questioning it. professor says without questioning it.




Western education does not find much value in:Western education does not find much value in:Memorization (While some memorization happens, Memorization (While some memorization happens, usually if you need to know something, you can look usually if you need to know something, you can look it up).it up).Repeating what others have already said.Repeating what others have already said.Encouraging students simply to accept what the Encouraging students simply to accept what the professor says without questioning it. professor says without questioning it. Supporting only the approved view. Supporting only the approved view.




Western education values:Western education values:Using the knowledge we have to create new Using the knowledge we have to create new knowledge.knowledge.




Western education values:Western education values:Using the knowledge we have to create new Using the knowledge we have to create new knowledge.knowledge.Using independent thinking to find new solutions to Using independent thinking to find new solutions to old problems.old problems.




Western education values:Western education values:Using the knowledge we have to create new Using the knowledge we have to create new knowledge.knowledge.Using independent thinking to find new solutions to Using independent thinking to find new solutions to old problems.old problems.Evaluating everything with good questions and Evaluating everything with good questions and critical thinking.critical thinking.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Western Society Promotes Western Society Promotes

Knowledge as a Means, Not an EndKnowledge as a Means, Not an End

Western education does not place Western education does not place much value in “opinions.”much value in “opinions.”




What is an “opinion?”What is an “opinion?”




What is an “opinion?”What is an “opinion?”It is a viewpoint that can’t be supported by It is a viewpoint that can’t be supported by evidenceevidence




What is an “opinion?”What is an “opinion?”It is a viewpoint that can’t be supported by It is a viewpoint that can’t be supported by evidenceevidenceIt is a viewpoint that others can disagree It is a viewpoint that others can disagree with easily and not need evidence eitherwith easily and not need evidence either




““I like chocolate ice creamI like chocolate ice cream” is an opinion:” is an opinion:




““I like chocolate ice creamI like chocolate ice cream” is an opinion:” is an opinion:There is no evidence that can prove There is no evidence that can prove chocolate ice cream tastes good.chocolate ice cream tastes good.




““I like chocolate ice creamI like chocolate ice cream” is an opinion:” is an opinion:There is no evidence that can prove There is no evidence that can prove chocolate ice cream tastes good.chocolate ice cream tastes good.If you If you don’tdon’t like chocolate ice cream, you like chocolate ice cream, you don’t need to prove your point of view with don’t need to prove your point of view with evidence. It’s just your “opinion.”evidence. It’s just your “opinion.”




Western education places a high value Western education places a high value on critical thinkingon critical thinking




Critical thinking demands two things:Critical thinking demands two things:




Critical thinking demands two thingsCritical thinking demands two things::Good questionsGood questions




Critical thinking demands two things:Critical thinking demands two things:Good questionsGood questionsGood use of evidenceGood use of evidence




What’s a good question?What’s a good question?




What’s a good question?What’s a good question?A good question asks why we should believe that A good question asks why we should believe that a statement is correct.a statement is correct.




What’s a good question?What’s a good question?A good question asks why we should believe that A good question asks why we should believe that a statement is correct.a statement is correct.A good question asks what problems there are in A good question asks what problems there are in a statement that might show it’s not correct.a statement that might show it’s not correct.




What’s good evidence?What’s good evidence?




What’s good evidence?What’s good evidence?Good evidence must follow proper rules – Good evidence must follow proper rules – that it is fairly presented, that it is not biased, that it is fairly presented, that it is not biased, that it is something that a reader would that it is something that a reader would accept as evidence.accept as evidence.




What’s good evidence?What’s good evidence?Good evidence must follow proper rules – Good evidence must follow proper rules – that it is fairly presented, that it is not biased, that it is fairly presented, that it is not biased, that it is something that a reader would that it is something that a reader would accept as evidence.accept as evidence.Good evidence must consider and answer Good evidence must consider and answer other possible interpretations.other possible interpretations.




FIRST EXAMPLE:FIRST EXAMPLE: Let’s consider a murder Let’s consider a murder mysterymystery


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Practice with Critical ThinkingPractice with Critical Thinking

EXAMPLE:EXAMPLE: A man is accused of murder. This is A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence against him:the evidence against him:



A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence against him:against him:An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of the dead man the night of his death.the dead man the night of his death.



A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence against him:against him:An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of the dead man the night of his death.the dead man the night of his death.He hated the dead man and earlier had threatened He hated the dead man and earlier had threatened to kill him.to kill him.



A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence A man is accused of murder. This is the evidence against him:against him:An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of An elderly lady saw him leaving the apartment of the dead man the night of his death.the dead man the night of his death.He hated the dead man and earlier had threatened He hated the dead man and earlier had threatened to kill him.to kill him.In the accused man’s house was a ticket to Europe In the accused man’s house was a ticket to Europe dated two days after the murder. The ticket had dated two days after the murder. The ticket had been bought before the murderbeen bought before the murder..



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, clothing with blood on it, etc.clothing with blood on it, etc.



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, clothing with blood on it, etc.clothing with blood on it, etc.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, clothing with blood on it, etc.clothing with blood on it, etc.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check to see if the accused’s alibi can be supportedCheck to see if the accused’s alibi can be supported..



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, clothing with blood on it, etc.clothing with blood on it, etc.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check to see if the accused’s alibi can be supportedCheck to see if the accused’s alibi can be supported..See if there is another explanation for the airline See if there is another explanation for the airline ticket (e.g. the accused was being sent on a business ticket (e.g. the accused was being sent on a business trip by his employer.)trip by his employer.)



How would you judge whether or not this man did the How would you judge whether or not this man did the crime?crime?Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, Ask what physical evidence there was – fingerprints, clothing with blood on it, etc.clothing with blood on it, etc.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check the elderly lady’s eyesight.Check to see if the accused man’s alibi can be Check to see if the accused man’s alibi can be supported.supported.See if there is another explanation for the airline See if there is another explanation for the airline ticket (e.g. the accused was being sent on a business ticket (e.g. the accused was being sent on a business trip by his employer.)trip by his employer.)See if there are any other suspects.See if there are any other suspects.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking What is Critical Thinking?What is Critical Thinking?



It is not thinking that criticizes It is not thinking that criticizes everythingeverything



It is not thinking that is rude and It is not thinking that is rude and unkind.unkind.



It is thinking that asks questions It is thinking that asks questions because it is looking for certainty.because it is looking for certainty.



It is thinking that asks questions because it It is thinking that asks questions because it is looking for certainty.is looking for certainty.Critical thinking seeks evidence to show why Critical thinking seeks evidence to show why something should be believed or not believed.something should be believed or not believed.



It is thinking that asks questions because it It is thinking that asks questions because it is looking for certainty.is looking for certainty.Critical thinking seeks evidence to show why Critical thinking seeks evidence to show why something should be believed or not believed.something should be believed or not believed.Critical thinking assumes that not everything Critical thinking assumes that not everything you hear, even from a professor, is accurate.you hear, even from a professor, is accurate.


Critical ThinkingCritical Thinking Some Warnings about Critical ThinkingSome Warnings about Critical Thinking



We sometimes fail to use critical thinking We sometimes fail to use critical thinking because we trust a certain writer or speaker because we trust a certain writer or speaker too muchtoo much..



We sometimes fail to use critical thinking We sometimes fail to use critical thinking because we trust a certain writer or speaker because we trust a certain writer or speaker too much.too much.It is possible, on the other hand, to distrust It is possible, on the other hand, to distrust everything we see and hear. That is not good everything we see and hear. That is not good either. either.



We sometimes fail to use critical thinking We sometimes fail to use critical thinking because we trust a certain writer or speaker because we trust a certain writer or speaker too much.too much.It is possible, on the other hand, to distrust It is possible, on the other hand, to distrust everything we see and hear. That is not good everything we see and hear. That is not good either. either. We need to be sure that the evidence we We need to be sure that the evidence we are using is handled correctly and without are using is handled correctly and without biasbias..



We need to be sure we have enough We need to be sure we have enough evidence. evidence.

How much is enough? How much is enough?

Imagine that you have heard or read Imagine that you have heard or read something that gives you doubts. What something that gives you doubts. What evidence would remove your doubts? evidence would remove your doubts?



When using critical thinking, we must When using critical thinking, we must present all arguments and we must present present all arguments and we must present them fairly.them fairly.



We have not used critical thinking if we We have not used critical thinking if we ignore or misrepresent views that disagree ignore or misrepresent views that disagree with us.with us.

Documents

Western Education & Critical Thinking