Matt - Critical Thinking: Part 1

Written

Objectivity is an essential function of the critical thinking process as it necessitates a complete and thoughtful analysis of the subject. This skill is particularly fundamental in the liberal arts because of the vast conceptualization and variance of ideas.

Last spring I was enrolled in NCLC 422 Approaches to American Foreign Policy, which analyzed the ideological foundation for contemporary international policymaking. The curriculum was holistic and dynamic; it chronicled the policy decisions of American political leaders, while identifying the subsequent issues. There was particular emphasis on the influence of economic policy on foreign relations, which is the premiere variable for many American policymakers (see Iraq, re: contemporary imperialism). Although the curriculum was provocative, my personal reading complemented this study of globalization.

I have long been skeptical of free trade agreements that simultaneously export American jobs and create nearly insurmountable barriers for local third world business people. I was forced to reconcile this dire scenario with the relentless – and seemingly inevitable – pace of globalization in Thomas L. Friedman’s The World is Flat. Defying many of my convictions about free trade, Friedman forced me to see the “other side” of the spectrum on globalization. He fastened the proliferation of democracy with free trade by using the “11/9 v. 9/11” model to demonstrate the impact of globalization. Although my core beliefs on globalization and trade policy remained unchanged, Friedman effectively articulated the paradoxical nature of macroeconomics. I thoroughly enjoyed The World is Flat because it challenged my personal notions about globalization and provoked an open review of the underlying principles.

It is ignorant for one to retreat into demagoguery and erect an ideological fence because objectivity is a catalyst for human progression. Critical thinking enables one to sift through a diversity of ideas and establish a preference or merely identify the merits. Such an environment will cultivate innovation and social awareness, often for the betterment of society. Objectivity is the preeminent attribute of critical thinking because it enables all of its other functions.

Academic

Critical thinking necessitates a commitment to identify the tone, intent and impact of the subject. By employing objectivity, one should welcome a diversity of sources to fully analyze the topic. From these (presumably) varying ideas, one should be able to synthesize the concepts and form an opinion(s) or a conclusion(s).

Perhaps the most perplexing subject I have studied in college is the Middle Eastern peace crisis. Although I have established some clarity on the matter, the historical depth and extensive cultural diversity in the region has made my studies a bit daunting (this conclusion became painfully evident while studying at St Antz). The complexity of the conflict is quite dense; it seems that the more I read about the conflict, the less I know. While abroad, my tutor pressed me to articulate the reasoning for many of the ME’s most fundamental questions. Below is a delightful sample:

- Can the political ills of the contemporary region simply be blamed on the old colonial powers?
- Compared with sub-state patterns of allegiance the state will always be weak. Do you agree?
- Has oil wealth been a blessing or a curse for the Middle East?
Nativ, Shachar. Syllabus: Politics of the Middle East and Arab-Israeli Conflict.

Clearly there is not a “right or wrong” answer for these questions; thus, I had to make reasonable deductions from the readings and establish an opinion. Due to the inherent complexity of the questions I appealed to a variety of sources across the ideological spectrum. Undoubtedly, this was the most difficult course I have taken in college because of the extensive historical and cultural information that I was unfamiliar with at the outset.

The mere acknowledgement that there is no “correct answer” to the Middle East question is indicative of its complexity. This was realized last spring when I authored a blog on Lebanon (pre 2006 war) addressing many of these fundamental questions. However, you may notice that the answers I provided are strikingly ambiguous – that it is shades of “gray” rather than “black and white.”

Non-Written

The primary application of critical thinking is to make decisions, which is a necessary attribute for one to provide leadership. Among the many intellectual and professional skills I have refined while working on political campaigns, the sense of independent leadership is most significant.

The fast-pace environment of campaigns demands that the staff people operate resourcefully and methodically. Among the many roles that I have served on campaign, I believe that I have emerged into my own right – that is, I am one who can walk into a stressful environment and immediately get to work. While this may be a general function of maturity, the decision-making skills are the direct result of critical thinking.