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Are We Truly Critical Thinkers?
🇪🇸 Spain /Culture & Society

Are We Truly Critical Thinkers?

From La Vanguardia · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Sources not specified Context piece
  • The author observes that while people are more educated and articulate, true critical thinking skills may be lacking.
  • Critical thinking is presented not as innate but as a learned skill requiring practice, freedom, and a basis in facts and reasons.
  • The piece suggests that the overuse of social media hinders the development of critical judgment, impacting both young people and adults.

August, a time traditionally marked by relaxed social gatherings, has become a period of intense critical reflection, according to the author. While people are more informed and articulate than in previous generations, particularly the youth who are highly educated, a crucial question remains: have these advancements translated into genuine critical thinking?

The question that is in the air is whether, despite this higher educational level, we have become, in the best sense of the word, more critical.

— AuthorPosing the central question about the state of critical thinking.

The author distinguishes between being "critical" and being "criticky," noting an abundance of the latter – criticizing without basis or regard. True critical thinking, however, is essential for a healthy democracy, giving value and respect to individual opinions grounded in facts and reasons. The piece posits that in a free society, the goal is not to determine who is right, but who has more valid reasons for their stance.

Criticism with foundation is essential for the democratic health of a country and makes the opinion of each citizen valuable and respected.

— AuthorDefining the importance of grounded criticism.

However, the author expresses concern that critical thinking is currently in a "critical state." Despite higher general education levels, the capacity for critical judgment may not have kept pace. The author argues that critical thinking is not spontaneous; it must be learned and exercised. Simply telling students to "be critical" is insufficient without providing the necessary tools and willingness to do so.

The critical sense is not spontaneous; it is learned and must be exercised.

— AuthorExplaining the nature of critical thinking.

Developing critical judgment requires a foundation in facts and reasons, a willingness to engage, and the freedom to express oneself without fear, insecurity, or self-interest. The author identifies the "abuse of social media" as a significant obstacle, creating a "thorny thicket" that impedes the development of critical thought in both young people and adults. True critical thinking, the piece concludes, is intrinsically linked to the ability to think freely and rationally, a skill that needs deliberate cultivation.

Then, to teach to be critical, we must teach to think and be free.

— AuthorStating the prerequisites for fostering critical thinking.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by La Vanguardia in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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