The Media and Critical Thinking
Next time you read or listen to the news, try to evaluate it critically. The news is further down the page. Before reading it let's examine the components of critical thought.
What do you mean by critical thinking and why should I care?
"Everyone thinks; it is our nature to do so. But much of our thinking, left to itself, is biased,
distorted, partial, uninformed or downright prejudiced. [This is based on historical fact.] Yet the
quality of our life and that of what we produce, make, or build depends precisely on the quality of our
thought. Shoddy thinking is costly, both in money and in quality of life. Excellence in
thought, however, must be systematically cultivated."
-from the Foundation
for Critical Thinking. (My comments in [ ])
Thinking critically means:
1. Clearly identifying goals and purposes
2. Identifying the question, problem, or issue Can you/should you break the question into subquestions? What, precisely, is the issue? Do all participants agree on this point?
3. Evaluating the information What are/is the data, facts, information? Do you have all that you need?
4. Interpreting the information and drawing inferences What conclusions can be made with this information?
5. Identifying the important concepts What are the theories, definitions, axioms, laws, principles, and models that you need to understand the issue and formulate an educated position?
6. Recognizing assumptions What assumptions have led to your conclusions? Are your assumptions justifiable? Are the assumptions for other arguments justifiable?
7. Appreciating implications and anticipating consequences Infer ONLY what the evidence implies. What are the implications of a given line of reasoning being correct/incorrect? What are the specific consequences of actions we might take based on a particular line of reasoning (including non-action)?
8. Recognizing points of view From what point of view are you looking at this information? Are there other points of view to consider? What might be YOUR biases? The question is not whether or not you have them you do) the question is what are they and will they interfere with critical thinking. What might be the biases of the opposition?
The ability to apply these thought processes to all aspects of your life, not just news articles or arguments, is the most important part of what we call an education
When should you employ the critical thinking process when reading the news? 1. When you agree or are happy with what you read. 2. When you disagree or are unhappy with what you read.
NEWS:
Business Leaders Call for Action on Global Warming
The Long Emergency (wake up)
Harvard Mercury Pollution Study Removed From Public Record
Lack of Money Slows Cleanup of Hundreds of Superfund Sites
Climate change and species extinctions
George Bush Jr.'s Environmental Record
Read, consider the sources, check the facts, and then think critically.
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