Our last post talked about the need to become critical evaluators of beliefs. In order to accomplish such a goal, we need a disciplined process that will allow us to develop sound belief positions. There are many different ways to make this happen. But one approach, which I favor, would be as follows:
We would start with the idea that there are six basic pre-conditions required to achieve the quality of critical thinking necessary to develop well-grounded, bottoms-up belief systems. Critical evaluators of beliefs need:
1. To feel free to choose their own beliefs and not be subject to domineering outside influences, not be influenced by fear, threats, and intimidation, and not feel that they need to succumb to social pressure about what they can and cannot think.
2. To be indifferent as to the outcome of their efforts. They must have no pre-existing mental commitments, no underlying biases, and no need-based or wishful thinking which could interfere with their plans to develop fact-based, objective positions;
3. To be willing to have their minds changed. If there isn't a basic openness to revising beliefs as the result of evidence, there is little point in making the investment of time required;
4. To have high standards about what they accept as evidence, either from others or from themselves. Research would have to be exhaustive and sufficient to justify rejecting existing claims made or establishing new or revised positions;
5. To accept only conclusions that are both intellectually honest and replicable, meaning, the research results can be repeated when studied from a different angle by different people;
6. To employ a rigorous, disciplined process which comes to appropriate conclusions. It should be evidence and fact-based, and focused on objective truth, not personal or philosophical truth, as its ultimate goal. An effective process ideally would include the following steps:
- develop the questions that the belief research needs to address,
- generate hypotheses about possible answers to those questions,
- thoroughly review all the literature with respect to each question,
- revise hypotheses based on research,
- carefully state findings and conclusions,
- subject all findings and conclusions to peer review and evaluation, preferably including people from all viewpoints.
By following this type of program, people would no longer be taking the easy path of letting others dictate to them. They would no longer need to hide behind fantasies and illusions that, in the short term, may help them deal with anxieties, fears, and desires; but, in the long-term, will prevent them from establishing a healthier and more balanced outlook on life.
There is tremendous personal power and freedom to be gained by undertaking this stance and getting beliefs right. By following this path, people could take back control of their beliefs, their destinies, and their lives.
*Some material from James Lett, A Field Guide to Critical Thinking, Skeptical Inquirer, Winter 1990