Fundamentalism versus Critical Thinking

Having recently been spurred on by viewing the Sam Harris at Idea CIty '05 video, which I viewed.I wanted to discuss the basic differences in the thinking process between critical thinking and Fundamentalism. I am, of course, interested in these topics since my background originated in the American Charismatic and Fundamentalist Christian belief system. Despite considering myself somewhat open minded when it comes to critical thinking and new paradigms and ideas, I find myself in agreement with religious fundamental thinking as well ...at times.I would like to think that I learn from many sources besides the Bible. I have chosen to allow myself to examine other thinking processes besides the one that I am most comfortable with. Hopefully, the dialogues generated in this topic will give me further insight into how other people interpret these same topics. So far, I have learned (or think that I have learned that Fundamentalism, by definition, is an attitude stressing strict and literal adherence to a set of basic principles.

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The American Heritage Dictionary defines fundamentalism as a usually religious movement or point of view characterized by a return to fundamental principles, by rigid adherence to those principles, and often by intolerance of other views and opposition to secularism.

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In contrast, I have begun to examine the roots of the thought process known as Critical Thinking. Many of the members of EvC who were taught the disciplines which allowed them to excel in their fields of study were also taught the art of Critical Thinking.

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Critical thinking is the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skillfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action. In its exemplary form, it is based on universal intellectual values that transcend subject matter divisions: clarity, accuracy, precision, consistency, relevance, sound evidence, good reasons, depth, breadth, and fairness.

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Critical thinking is that mode of thinking ” about any subject, content,or problem ” in which the thinker improves the quality of his or her thinking by skillfully analyzing, assessing, and reconstructing it. Critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored, and self-corrective thinking. It presupposes assent to rigorous standards of excellence and mindful command of their use. It entails effective communication and problem-solving abilities, as well as a commitment to overcome our native egocentrism and sociocentrism.

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Our basic concept of critical thinking is, at root, simple. We could define it as the art of taking charge of your own mind. Its value is also at root simple: if we can take charge of our own minds, we can take charge of our lives; we can improve them, bringing them under our self command and direction. Of course, this requires that we learn self-discipline and the art of self-examination. This involves becoming interested in how our minds work, how we can monitor, fine tune, and modify their operations for the better. It involves getting into the habit of reflectively examining our impulsive and accustomed ways of thinking and acting in every dimension of our lives.

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I still define myself as a believer in Jesus Christ, however....and just as fundamentalism scares the American Secularist, unchecked skepticism scares me and those like me who are attached to our beliefs. One example that I read at EvC recently came from my online friend and fellow EvC member, Schrafinator. In message 69 she makes the statement that

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Well, there is little to no evidence that Jesus existed, so to talk to a child as if he did exist is a lot like insisting that the kid believe without any reason to, other than the parent wants them to believe it.

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This was very uncomfortable to me, but Nator did qualify her remark.

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I think that one can teach children anything you want as long as you make it clear that they have to learn to be critical thinkers and not just accept things because an authority figure tells them it is so.

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They should be taught that what they believe is up to THEM, not anybody else.

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I suppose that my current view and belief on all of this is that it is better to teach a child to think critically about religious beliefs as well as any other topics in life rather than to teach them to think fundamentally regarding such matters.Im not sure where this topic should go. Edited by Phat, : No reason given.

I'm not sure where it would go either. Maybe social issues?In the mean time, are you missing a word in this sentence or a typo? Edited by AdminPD, : No reason given.

social issues sounds good. I corrected the typo.

Thread copied to the Fundamentalism versus Critical Thinking thread in the Social Issues and Creation/Evolution forum.This copy of the thread has been closed.