Critical Thought: An Antidote for Society

 “It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

- Aristotle, Metaphysics

Portrait of Aristotle by K. Hinchey

Beliefs On Trial

That a thing makes logical sense does not necessarily constitute its truth. In fact, many great deceptions are possible and successful because of one of two factors: Either the deceived believe that the opposite is true, or they simply do not consider this reality- likely meaning they do little to think for themselves.

I was reading Discourse on Method by Descartes a short while ago, and I had some thoughts. So many of us genuinely do live our lives almost as NPCs in the game of life. I would include myself in this, as I have found myself shifting many of my own beliefs and worldviews, drastically, during my intellectual pursuit of growth. Many of these beliefs are those which I have held since I was a mere child. I think, specifically in America and our Western culture, we have a large and grave issue with a lack of critical-thinking skills among our people.

I used to be one of these citizens of the sort. In this way, I resonated with Descartes when he mentioned how he had broken free from an intellectual clutch that he was restrained by in his own life. His reasons, of course, were much different than mine. Still, yet, I felt when he said that he sought to dismantle any doubtworthy belief he had and then reconstruct his entire belief system which he, then, could call wholly his own. I think that he spoke truthfully in such a way as to also inspire me to utilize this method for myself with the objective of freeing myself in a certain context.

Practical Discernment

Many people have a plethora of varying beliefs regarding plenty of various things, and claim to have the “truth” about those things, all or, at least, very many of whom have a substantial degree of logical reasoning to support their beliefs. So what does this mean when we encounter opposing beliefs which contradict each other under this same lens? That is why we have ongoing debates which are never truly resolved with one objective truth.

As Descartes says, and I agree, it is not enough to study texts and the thoughts or ideas of other brilliant minds. Indeed, there is no greater mentor in the world than the empirical education we each attain by simply living our lives, individually. However, it is likewise not enough to merely experience life either. Without the internalization of such garnered experience, there is no true wisdom to be rewarded with. For this reason, I submit that to extract the best possible education from life and study alike, one must live life, face fear, take chances, and practice consistent introspection.

This is one primary reason I took up journaling. Much like Mr. Descartes, I also have taken to placing my belief system on trial, so to speak. I continue to read and study philosophy and classical literature, but I do not do so with the intention of adopting another individual’s opinions or worldviews. Rather, I do so to assist in broadening my own perspective which is unique to me.

The Antidote for Society

Aristotle says that the mark of an educated mind is to maintain the capacity to consider a thought without accepting it as truth. We need to think for ourselves. Such a pursuit of truth is intrinsically good and should be sought for its own sake. Perhaps our society’s deficit in this skill and intent is a significant factor in why I notice so many fraudulent characters around me. Indeed, I was once one of these fraudulent characters, myself.

The birth of my son brought with him a great epiphany, which led to the greatest shift in my life at that time; but I found genuine freedom ONLY once I learned to think critically and become me, rather than a collage of everything I had been taught and all I had heard that “made sense” enough. Thus, to conclude, I believe that one should practice critical thought and awareness if he or she seeks liberty of mind and body.