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Learning from the Wisdom of our past #71
A weekly wisdom blog from BobBarnardnm.com
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Please share this with your friends so we can encourage others to consider wisdom.
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Thoughts on the intersection of Society/Culture, Productivity/You, and Wisdom/Knowledge.
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Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom – and no such thing as public liberty without freedom of speech. Benjamin Franklin
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I have several meetings this week and a conference in Albuquerque on Friday and Saturday. Starting physical therapy for balance issues this week. Chaos has reigned since I returned, hence the lateness. My apologies.
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The wisdom quote for this week.
"Open-mindedness is essential for critical thinking; be willing to consider different perspectives." - Anonymous
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Critical thinking involves analyzing information objectively and forming a reasoned judgment. It also involves evaluating sources, identifying assumptions, and considering different perspectives to make well-supported conclusions. Critical thinking requires us to recognize when our emotions and biases interfere, as well as to have an open and questioning mind. Now I hope you are thinking what a lot of work. Yes, it is, but to survive and be functioning members of our complicated society, we are being forced to think critically.
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Critical thinking requires an open mind. One must be open to new ideas and learn others' truths while expanding oneself. Critical thinking has three primary parts:
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Analysis: Breaking down information into smaller parts to understand its components.
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Objectivity: Approaching information without bias.
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Reasoned Judgment: Forming conclusions based on evidence and logic.
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Our emotions and biases are barriers to critical thinking because they distort our perception and reasoning ability. Could you think back to when you were last mad at someone? Were you being objective or simply reacting to your emotions? Critical thinking requires us to recognize and control our emotions. We all have biases that affect our thinking. Here are a few that you must recognize and control to be a critical thinker:
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Confirmation Bias: We tend to seek and favor information that confirms our beliefs, ignoring contradictory evidence. That is why we become a community of like-minded individuals- It is more comfortable. It is also why we listen to certain radio programs and read certain newspapers. We look for people who think like we do so we don't have to think critically because we agree.
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Anchoring Bias: We rely too heavily on the first piece of information we receive, even if it's irrelevant.
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To mitigate these effects you must work to have:
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Self-awareness: Recognize your own emotional states and biases.
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Seek diverse perspectives: Actively look for viewpoints that challenge your own.
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Use logic and evidence: Base your judgments on facts rather than feelings.
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Another key tool for a critical thinker is the ability to ask questions to gain more information. Questions are fundamental to critical thinking because they drive inquiry, challenge assumptions, and promote deeper understanding. Remember as kids we would ask questions incessantly. That is the attitude we need to develop today. Questions help-remember your children asking why over and over again until you wanted to scream, and sometimes did.
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Clarification: Questions help you understand the information being presented.
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Analysis: Asking questions encourages you to break down complex issues into smaller components.
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Evaluation: Questioning prompts you to assess the validity and reliability of information.
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Perspective-taking: Questions can help you consider different viewpoints and challenge your own assumptions.
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Here are some sample questions that will aid in critical thinking thinking:
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"What evidence supports this claim?"
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"What are the underlying assumptions?"
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"Are there alternative perspectives?"
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"What are the potential consequences?"
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"How can I verify this information?"
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It is imperative in this age of misinformation and source bias that you become a critical thinker and make up your own mind. if you don't others will make it up for you.
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Are you a critical thinker or a lazy thinker?
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What parts of the critical thinking process are you ignoring?
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How do you plan to become a better critical thinker?
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List those parts of the critical thinking process you are resisting.
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Examine why you are resisting as you are meditating.
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Examine how you can overcome your resistance and and become a better critical thinker.
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