Philosophical Barriers to Critical Thinking PDF

Chapter 4: Philosophical Barriers to CT ======================================= Critical Thinking: - The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs or statements by rational standards Rational standards: - Objectivism: - The truth of claims does not depend on what one believe...

Chapter 4: Philosophical Barriers to CT ======================================= Critical Thinking: - The systematic evaluation or formulation of beliefs or statements by rational standards Rational standards: - Objectivism: - The truth of claims does not depend on what one believes or thinks. Our believing that p is true does not make p true. - There is a way the world is, and our beliefs cannot change it. - Universalism: - The objective truth is the case for everyone, at everywhere, at every time. - For our beliefs about the world to be rational, we all need to make them as consistent as possible with how the world really is. Relativism; Its Nature and Attractions 1. Subjective relativism (subjectivism): a. The truth depends on what someone believes. The truth is relative to individuals. The truth about an object is a matter of what a subject believes, rather than how the world is. i. This may be true for me, but not for you. ii. Everyone has their own truth! b. It is attractive because we want to be respectful to others. 2. Social/Cultural relativism a. The truth is relative to societies/cultures. The truth depends on what your society approves of. b. It is attractive, especially in multicultural societies like Canada where inclusiveness and diversity matter. Because we want to respect other cultures and nations. Relativism; Its Danger Infallibilism: - I believe that Toronto is the capital of\ Canada. - Honor killing, holocaust, colonization Self-defeating - All truth is relative. - What about "all truth is relative"? Skepticism; For and Against - Knowledge requires certainty, but are you certain after all you have learned about your psychological and epistemic errors? What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger - How can we respond to relativist and skeptical concerns without being relativists? - CT is not about 100% certainty in believing something, it's about being justified and rational in doing so. We pursue justification, rather than undoubtable truth! - Fallibilism - it's permissible to have justified but false beliefs - Pluralism - People may believe in opposite propositions and still be justified (though not necessarily) true. - Toleration: - We could be wrong. What if they are justified? What if I am wrong?