Critical Thinking Theory

If social media has taught us anything it is that almost all of us have given up on the idea of thinking for ourselves.  We’ve transferred our obligation of thinking to someone, or something, else.  We pick the point of view we like and let others tell us what that point of view really means.  Take, for example, a dislike of Donald Trump.

We don’t like DJT, so we can’t like the things he does as President.  We can’t be bothered to actually understand what his administration has done, we look for memes that condemn him, whether they are true or not.  We side with those who oppose him, whether or not they offer a better solution, or are actually honest about their own motives.  It is the modern play on the ancient proverb “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” On the other side his supporters ask “Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord, and detest those who rise against You?” (Psalms 139:22).

Nowhere is the elimination of critical thought more obvious than in the media.  A career where the idea of questioning would seem to be central to success, but has clearly been replaced by dogmatic commitment to a set of political beliefs. 

At one time our country had progressives, moderates, conservatives, liberals (historical definition), liberaltarians, authoritarians, and humanitarians.  Both parties had them.  I’m not sure how well they actually worked together, but the tension between them seemed to find balance that served the common good.  Thanks to the media’s (and perhaps higher education’s) shift to one side we have sacrificed that balance.  We are now not much better than a teeter-totter where we go up and down based on the struggles of the two parties for political domination.

We citizens have joined in on that ride picking sides where the idea of actually thinking critically about what is best for the nation isn’t really part of the dialogue anymore. But let’s be honest, 99% of us have never wanted to make those nation-shaping decisions.  That is what our representatives are for.  But I wonder?

I wonder how much our growth in population and the physical limits of our government buildings has shifted the balance of power?  For example, based on the 1790 census there was one Representative for every 34,436 citizens (on average).  Today that ratio is about 1:709,760.  The question is when one person is representing that many; do they actually give a true voice to the various minorities of their constituents? 

Oh well, as long as we don’t have to think too hard, I guess it’s okay.  We have an election, and as in every election both sides are saying it’s the most important election of our lifetime.  Didn’t they say that in 2016, 2012, 2008…?  At least we have memes that can show the world what is wrong with those other guys.