What is to Critically Think of Critical Thinking

Perhaps one of the most dystopian worlds conceivable is one where the line between the individual and the community becomes so blurry that the two merge into one—a world without a different voice, a different thought. Is this not what Orwell envisioned in 1984? Or what Heinlein imagined in Starship Troopers? Of course, we are nowhere near the danger envisioned by these famed authors, precisely because of one powerful apparatus—critical thinking. Through critical thinking, we can thoroughly challenge the values imposed by society and other individuals. It is through critical thinking that we, as individuals, can gain autonomy in our thoughts. Perhaps it could even be argued that critical thinking is one of the defining characteristics of being truly individual—a subject without a predicate, someone free by nature.

But is it really as simple as it seems? Perhaps not. Students in AP Language, college, and graduate programs are all familiar with—and, hopefully, practice—critical thinking. The motto of the flat-earther and conspiracy theorist is to "think for oneself." It is taught in schools, in families, and practiced among peers and friends. Yet we do not always see critical thinking manifest itself. The more "critically thought" flat-earthers become, the more they religiously believe in a "flat earth." Is it not the case that whenever a flat-earth model is challenged, they simply adjust their model to accommodate the contradictions? In other words, are they not the Ptolemaic thinkers of the 21st century—those who, in fact, lack true critical thinking? Even college students: how many YouTube debate videos have shown that they often buy whatever "makes sense" to them? It seems that critical thinking may not be the powerful apparatus of liberation or the defense against the totalization of the community that we once believed it to be.

Then, the question that remains is obvious: What is it?

Perhaps it is time to consider an examination of the apparatus we use to think, an evaluation of how much the community influences us. Or more precisely, it is time to consider critical thinking for critical thinking.