Biblical Studies, Theology, Religion and Philosophy: An Introduction for African Universities

Chapter Twenty One: Logic, Critical Thinking, and Science

Logic, Critical Thinking and Science CHAPTER TWENTY ONE Logic, Critical Thinking and Science I. B. Ikpe Introduction: What is Critical Thinking? C ritical thinking embodies the process and product of thinking correctly both within a formal academic enterprise and within the informal situations of eve ryday life. Such correct thinking is usually the product of effective identification , consideration and evaluation of information, eschewing in the process personal biases and prejudices while at the same time analysing the information for the hidden prejudices and misconceptions of others. More often than not, it is the product of critical thinking that is usually recognized and celebrated as critical thinking. For instance, most people are favourably impressed by shrewd decisions and précised interpretation and predictions of events. Others marvel when the proper choice of words is applied with positive effects to situations that could otherwise have turned ugly. However, this involves celebrating the product of critical thinking and, perhaps, ignoring the process that led to such celebrated ends. But it is important to recognise that critical thinking does not only consist in the products of critical thinking. One can, for instance, make a shrewd decision following a hunch and without consciously striving towards making such a decision. Also one can make a précised interpretation or prediction of events by chance. Again, one can speak from the heart and in the process defuse a potentially explosive situation. However, critical thinking is not a game of chance. This is why the process of critical thinking is important. It is always better when a shrewd decision or correct interpretation or prediction of an event follows a thinking process that can be replicated in similar situations and it is only the process of thinking correctly that can ensure this. Critical thinking is usually associated with Logic, which is sometimes referred to as the science and art of correct thinking. For some scholars, Critical Thinking is merely another name for Logic and involves a study of arguments, especially the rules that govern the proper use of arguments. For others, Critical Thinking lies outside the rigid mould of rules and processes that govern arguments and, instead, involves an application of such rules to everyday problems such that the monotony that is sometimes associated with the process of recognising and understanding the application of such rules is avoided. The resulting discipline is thus less rigorous than Logic but more user-friendly, focusing more on problem-solving and the practical application of Biblical Studies, Theology, Religion, and Philosophy such rules. Thus, critical thinking in this second sense seeks to achieve the same goals as Logic, in promoting the analysis and critical evaluation of ideas, but without insisting on the identification and textbook application of the rules of reasoning. Irrespective of the approach one chooses to adopt in Critical Thinking, the final goal is to ensure the clarity of thought and level of broadmindedness that enable one to be open to new ideas and yet remain unassuming in making critical decisions that affect oneself and others. This is not to say that only people who have studied Logic or Critical Thinking can reason and critically evaluate ideas. Indeed, some people are naturally good at thinking critically, while others find it difficult to relate events and ideas in a proper manner so as to reach fruitful decisions, but everyone can improve their ability to think critically through formal training. The difference, however, between someone with a native wit, or what can be referred to as a natural ability for critical thought, and those with formal training is that those with a formal training can consciously make critical thinking an aspect of their lives and, by so doing, consciously guard against the different pitfalls that result from mistakes in reasoning.Also, a formal training in critical thinking can help others to organize their thoughts in a more consistent, well-organised and integrated way, thereby helping them live more fruitful lives. Thus, though the skills associated with critical thinking are not necessarily acquired in the classroom, a formal study of Critical Thinking is beneficial, especially in an increasingly globalised world. Critical Thinking takes for granted that each individual has latent cognitive skills, which can be used in desirable or undesirable ways. A desirable way of using such skills could be to focus on solving a particular problem or creating an innovation that furthers our objectives as individuals within the society. In order to achieve this, there is a need for us to continually evaluate...