Critical Thinking

What is Critical Thinking and Why do We Need It?

This is a general introduction to the concept of critical thinking. To advance these notions further, it is important to emphasize the evaluation of bias in any thought process. We can ask ourselves and each other: is this idea or decision rooted in logical reasoning? Is this idea/decision rooted in well-considered facts? Am I asking about the source of the information, and am I checking that sources are valid? Am I considering multiple viewpoints and their pros and cons? OR is this idea/decision rooted mostly in feelings, like fear or comfortability? Is this idea impacted by bias: is there an unfair assumption about someone’s behaviors and abilities because of negative and routine media images? Is there an unfair assumption about someone’s behaviors and abilities because of a single experience with someone from this “group” or “identity?”

To advance critical thinking, one must assess the sources of information, the validity and variety of sources, and the context of the information. Context means historical, social and current events, attitudes, behaviors and information that affect the idea or decision at hand. For example, assessing oppression is a crucial skill not only for recognizing mistreatment and patterns of mistreatment, but also in an effort to keep oneself as safe as possible from discrimination or oppressive behavior.

In an effort to apply our critical thinking skills, we need content to engage. This curriculum focuses on food and its connection to culture and history, which means we will want to research and understand the origins of food and farming practices around the world. In the present time, we might notice more organic food being advertised, or more vegan restaurant options becoming “trendy” or popular often in more affluent neighborhoods. However, when we ask about the origins of these food and diet practices, we find that they are often indigenous, historical, and native to the lands of India and Africa, among other regions. We find that these farming and diet practices come from the ancient civilizations and present-day societies of Africa and India, even though very little recognition of that truth is found in mainstream American media. We can ask why are organic and vegan options generally so expensive or more available in lucrative neighborhoods? Having a sense of what questions to ask, of how to access origins, context, systems of oppression, narratives of people’s self-determination, and impact are all part of framing your critical thinking so you extract the most truthful information and form the best possible decision or opinion possible.

Furthermore, in an effort to think critically, we can also ask questions like: Am I challenging what I believe I know, to make space for new information and knowledge? Am I willing to be uncomfortable (“out of my comfort zone”) in order to explore a new idea, perspective, set of facts and research, or personal experience of another person? Am I willing to change my mind?

These are excellent questions to assess root issues and context that advance critical thinking.