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Importance of critical thinking

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Rahel Wijeyekoon

This document discusses the importance of rational and critical thinking and basing beliefs on evidence. It questions what harm there is in holding beliefs without evidence if they provide comfort. However, it argues that rational belief requires evidence to back claims up. Adopting beliefs without sufficient evidence can lead to trouble. The document outlines an assignment where students will watch an episode of South Park about religious beliefs and analyze whether the beliefs presented are based on proof or evidence, why people adopt those beliefs, and if it is dangerous to consider them facts without evidence. It notes that formulating decisions without examining facts can cause issues. Overall, the document emphasizes that inquiry, hard work, and progress require recognizing beliefs for what they are - magic tricks - and finding

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If evidence is lacking, so what? A W I S E M A N , T H E R E F O R E , P R O P O R T I O N S H I S B E L I E F T O T H E E V I D E N C E DAVID HUME ( 1 7 1 1 - 1 7 76)
What is the point of critical thinking? Why should we think critically and rationally? Why does it matter? What harm is there in believing in something if it makes you feel good or provides you with comfort, or gives you hope? If evidence is lacking so what?
Belief and evidence Where do our beliefs Come from ? BRAINSTORM THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACQUIRE BELIEFS School and learning
The problem with observation and authority
Task You will be divided into 3 or 4 groups and each group will watch an episode of South Park All about Mormons The biggest douche in the universe Trapped in the closet (Super best friends if 4 groups) You will then carry out a 15 minute presentation on the following
Your presentation will need to focus on the following Give a brief outline of the episode what is the theme and plot? What beliefs are being presented to the boys and the people of South Park? Are the beliefs based on proof or evidence? Why do you think people decide to adopt those beliefs? Is it dangerous to adopt the beliefs as facts? Why? What does Stan learn from having listened and learnt from the people involved Do you agree with them? You will need to use a multi-media tool in order to edit sections of the episode, that you will use to enhance your presentation (approx 6 mins of presentations time) Link your presentation at some point to Voltaires quote Those that can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities Voltaire (1694-1778) Any other points relating to what we have studied so far in philosophy
Rational belief requires EVIDENCE Beliefs like that of the church of Scientologists or the Book of Mormon need evidence to back them up Mormon/Scientology beliefs should be rejected unless they can be defended They need to provide what Philosophers call the burden of proof, in other words they need to provide evidence or proof for their claims Formulating beliefs and making decisions without sufficient evidence always leads to trouble Would you really choose a university, career, place to live, or anything for that matter without examining the facts involved
Inquiry, Hard Work and Progress Stan sums it up brilliantly You see, I learned something today. At first I thought you were all just stupid listening to this douches advice but now I understand that youre all here because your scared. Youre scared of death and he offers you some kind of understanding. You all want to believe in it so much, I know you do. You find comfort in the thought that your loved ones are floating around trying to talk to you, but think about it: is that really what you want? To just be floating around after you die having to talk to this asshole? We need to recognise this stuff or what it really is: magic tricks. Because whatever is really going on in life and in death is much more amazing than this douche.

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Importance of critical thinking

  • 1. If evidence is lacking, so what? A W I S E M A N , T H E R E F O R E , P R O P O R T I O N S H I S B E L I E F T O T H E E V I D E N C E DAVID HUME ( 1 7 1 1 - 1 7 76)
  • 2. What is the point of critical thinking? Why should we think critically and rationally? Why does it matter? What harm is there in believing in something if it makes you feel good or provides you with comfort, or gives you hope? If evidence is lacking so what?
  • 3. Belief and evidence Where do our beliefs Come from ? BRAINSTORM THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE ACQUIRE BELIEFS School and learning
  • 4. The problem with observation and authority
  • 5. Task You will be divided into 3 or 4 groups and each group will watch an episode of South Park All about Mormons The biggest douche in the universe Trapped in the closet (Super best friends if 4 groups) You will then carry out a 15 minute presentation on the following
  • 6. Your presentation will need to focus on the following Give a brief outline of the episode what is the theme and plot? What beliefs are being presented to the boys and the people of South Park? Are the beliefs based on proof or evidence? Why do you think people decide to adopt those beliefs? Is it dangerous to adopt the beliefs as facts? Why? What does Stan learn from having listened and learnt from the people involved Do you agree with them? You will need to use a multi-media tool in order to edit sections of the episode, that you will use to enhance your presentation (approx 6 mins of presentations time) Link your presentation at some point to Voltaires quote Those that can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities Voltaire (1694-1778) Any other points relating to what we have studied so far in philosophy
  • 7. Rational belief requires EVIDENCE Beliefs like that of the church of Scientologists or the Book of Mormon need evidence to back them up Mormon/Scientology beliefs should be rejected unless they can be defended They need to provide what Philosophers call the burden of proof, in other words they need to provide evidence or proof for their claims Formulating beliefs and making decisions without sufficient evidence always leads to trouble Would you really choose a university, career, place to live, or anything for that matter without examining the facts involved
  • 8. Inquiry, Hard Work and Progress Stan sums it up brilliantly You see, I learned something today. At first I thought you were all just stupid listening to this douches advice but now I understand that youre all here because your scared. Youre scared of death and he offers you some kind of understanding. You all want to believe in it so much, I know you do. You find comfort in the thought that your loved ones are floating around trying to talk to you, but think about it: is that really what you want? To just be floating around after you die having to talk to this asshole? We need to recognise this stuff or what it really is: magic tricks. Because whatever is really going on in life and in death is much more amazing than this douche.