A Critical Thinking Crisis

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“If there was one life skill everyone on the planet needed, it was the ability to think with critical objectivity” – Josh Lanyon

Before continuing with this article, the extent of opinion should be noted. This not a fact-laden article such as we are used to on h2bh, but rather an expression of the author’s frustration with the current trajectory of human thought patterns.

From the 17^th century onwards, the explosion of literature and flow of ideas transformed the world like never before, opening the doors to some of the greatest inventions, finest pieces of literature, and a number of significant scientific discoveries.

Whilst such a pioneering spirit has always existed in humanity, it is now that the doors of this period of human potential appear to be closing, as a key ingredient is being quenched. With developments in artificial intelligence, with a social media saturated society, flooded with dopamine and coerced into opinions, one must ask:

what will become of critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to assess or review a situation and come to a judgement upon it, based on available evidence. It is the ability to think independently, rather than just be spoon-fed and then regurgitate. It also enables the beholder to apply moral judgements and therefore call things out when they are wrong.

Every human being can think critically, and it has been a determining factor in our society for centuries, which I cannot help but feel is now being crushed. If artificial intelligence, or other people think for us, how are we meant to flex our critical thinking muscles and grow?

Where will the innovations of the future come from?

I believe that without the use of this God-given gift, humanity will be worse off, possibly even, as some seem to encourage, left playing second fiddle to the world of machines which we have created.