In today’s world, it’s important to think clearly and critically. Many people often overlook the value of knowledge as a process, not just as a set of answers. Let’s explore why this is crucial through an interesting example.
Imagine you’re an employer interviewing two candidates for a job. You ask the first candidate, “What is the height of the spire on this building?” The candidate confidently replies, “I studied architecture and memorized the heights of all the buildings on campus. The height of that spire is 155 feet.” This answer is correct and given quickly.
Next, you interview the second candidate. When asked the same question, they respond, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” They step outside, measure the length of the spire’s shadow, measure the length of their own shadow, and use these measurements to calculate the height based on the ratios. They return and say it’s about 150 feet.
As an employer, you might prefer the second candidate. Even though their answer took longer and wasn’t as precise, they demonstrated critical thinking skills. They showed the ability to solve problems and find solutions independently. This skill is incredibly valuable because knowing how to think is more empowering than just knowing what to think.
Critical thinking involves analyzing information, evaluating different perspectives, and solving problems creatively. It’s a skill that helps you adapt to new situations and challenges. By developing critical thinking skills, you can approach problems with confidence and find innovative solutions.
Remember, learning how to think critically is a lifelong process. It helps you in school, at work, and in everyday life. So, always be curious, ask questions, and seek to understand the world around you.
For more interesting insights and educational content, keep exploring and learning!
Imagine you are an employer. Pair up with a classmate and take turns being the interviewer and the candidate. Create your own questions that require critical thinking to answer. Discuss which answers demonstrate critical thinking skills and why.
Go outside and measure the length of your shadow and a tall object’s shadow. Use these measurements to calculate the height of the object using ratios. This hands-on activity will help you understand how critical thinking can be applied to solve real-world problems.
Form small groups and choose a topic to debate. Each group should research their topic and present arguments. Focus on evaluating different perspectives and using evidence to support your points. This will enhance your ability to think critically about various issues.
Work in groups to solve hypothetical problems that require creative solutions. For example, how would you design a new product to help students organize their study time? Share your solutions with the class and discuss the critical thinking process you used.
Keep a journal where you reflect on situations that required critical thinking. Write about what you learned and how you approached the problem. This will help you recognize and improve your critical thinking skills over time.
Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
—
I want to highlight a few things I’m concerned about regarding the prevalence of fuzzy thinking in the world. It seems that many people are not thinking clearly. What we often overlook is the value of knowledge as a process rather than just as an answer.
Imagine you’re an employer interviewing two candidates for a job. You ask one candidate, “What is the height of the spire on this building?” The candidate responds, “I studied architecture and memorized the heights of all the buildings on campus. The height of that spire is 155 feet.” That’s the correct answer, and they provided it quickly.
Then the next candidate comes in. When asked the same question, they say, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out.” They step outside, measure the length of the shadow of the spire, measure the length of their own shadow, and calculate the height based on the ratios. They return and say it’s about 150 feet.
Who would you hire? I would choose the second candidate, the one who figured it out. Even though it took longer and the answer wasn’t as precise, that candidate demonstrated critical thinking skills. Knowing how to think empowers you far beyond simply knowing what to think.
In fact, that’s a great point to share.
For more interesting videos like this one, please subscribe!
—
This version maintains the core message while removing any informal language and extraneous details.
Critical Thinking – The ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between ideas. – In philosophy class, we use critical thinking to assess different arguments and determine which ones are most convincing.
Knowledge – Information, understanding, or skill that you get from experience or education. – Gaining knowledge about different philosophical theories helps us understand the world better.
Problem – A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome. – The philosopher presented a problem about free will that sparked a lively debate among the students.
Solutions – Means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation. – After discussing various ethical dilemmas, the class proposed several solutions to address moral conflicts.
Analyze – To examine something in detail in order to understand it better or discover more about it. – We were asked to analyze the philosopher’s argument to see if it was logically sound.
Evaluate – To judge or determine the significance, worth, or quality of something; to assess. – The teacher asked us to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different philosophical perspectives.
Perspectives – A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. – Understanding different perspectives is crucial in philosophy to appreciate the diversity of thought.
Creative – Involving the use of imagination to create something new or original. – Philosophers often use creative thinking to come up with innovative ideas and theories.
Curious – Eager to know or learn something. – A curious mind is essential for exploring philosophical questions and seeking deeper understanding.
Understand – To grasp the meaning, significance, or nature of something. – By studying philosophy, we aim to understand complex concepts about existence and reality.
