What Is Critical Thinking and Critical Reasoning?

Have you ever pondered over philosophical questions alongside key figures like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, or delved into the wisdom of Lao Tzu, Siddhartha Gautama, and Confucius? The evolution of these thought systems showcases the journey of human inquiry and wisdom. However, when it comes to defining critical thinking and critical reasoning, the inquiry narrows down to the essence that matters most in contemporary times.

Storytelling Through Symbols

Imagine a field where two deer stand side by side. One of them carries a bullseye mark. The other deer, observing it, remarks, “What a bummer of a birthmark, dude!” Thus, the story of critical thinking and reasoning begins.

Heart vs. Brain: The Great Divide

Hareem, in your query, you've hit a sensitive chord. To me, the true value of thinking lies in distinguishing between cerebral thought and intuitive depth. The heart is a repository of truth, whereas the brain is a messenger of what it deems fit. As Meher Baba suggests, feelings and emotions are mind creations, albeit powerful. Love, on the other hand, is the soul's creation, a profound and unifying force.

God and love are one and the same. Those who have divine love have received God. The pursuit of this divine connection through the ocean of love remains the ultimate goal.

Self-Guided and Self-Disciplined Thinking

Critical thinking is a form of self-guided, self-disciplined thinking where the thinker consistently attempts to reason at the highest level of quality in a fair-minded way. It involves active questioning and a commitment to high-quality reasoning. Here are some principles of critical thinking:

Questioning Assumptions: Constantly evaluating the underlying assumptions of a thought or argument. Evidence-Based Reasoning: Relying on factual evidence and good theorems to make rational conclusions. Open-Mindedness: Remaining open to different viewpoints and ideas.

This process requires a deep dive into personal intuition and emotions, navigating the depths of the heart.

Critical Reasoning: The Logical Path

Critical reasoning, on the other hand, is a logical process based on multiple steps of reasoning. It involves:

Analysis: Breaking down complex ideas into simpler components. Synthesis: Combining these components to form a coherent argument. Evaluation: Weighing the strengths and weaknesses of evidence and conclusions.

For example, when discussing religion, it might involve seeing it as a fantasy. However, when reasoning about it, one would seek to collect evidence, analyze it logically, and ultimately conclude that the basis of religion is not logical.

Evidence and Logic

Consider the realm of religion. A thinker might start by seeing religion as a fantasy. However, when delved into with critical reasoning, the process involves:

Gathering Evidence: Collecting data and evidence. Logical Analysis: Applying logical reasoning to assess the validity of the collected evidence. Conclusion: Reaching a conclusion based on the analyzed evidence.

This systematic approach ensures that one's arguments are not purely speculative but grounded in logic and evidence.

Conclusion

In essence, critical thinking and critical reasoning are powerful tools for discerning truth and understanding complex issues. They allow us to navigate the vast landscape of human knowledge and wisdom, from the realms of philosophy to the depths of personal intuition.

So, as you explore these concepts, remember the balance between heart and brain, and the importance of applying both intuition and logic in your pursuit of truth.