THE ART OF CRITICAL THINKING

How to ask the right questions.

I aspired to be the head girl of my school when I was just in the fifth grade. The position holder was chosen by the Principal, and all of us had noticed a pattern. The head boy and head girl were the best orators, the best debaters, the best public speakers from that batch of students. So a culture of privileging the students who were good debaters developed in our school. I achieved my dream.

I chose to pursue the liberal arts in college, because it allows the most room for a critical, deliberative, and questioning spirit. My decision was based on a genuine love for the subjects of political science, sociology, psychology, and economics. I often wonder whether this love is manufactured, a product of the privilege social sciences and debating enjoyed in my school. But either way, I’m now stuck doing political science honours, and manufactured or not, I quite like the product.

If you think I can teach you to ask the right questions, then I suggest you stop reading, because I’m in the same boat as you. In my quest to learn this art, I ventured into the debating society of our college. I was instantly awed by everyone’s brilliance and also experienced what an inferiority complex felt like for the first time. But my resolve to master the art of critical thinking and debate like a pro stood faithfully by my side. Quite aware of my inadequacies, I still went for tournaments, lost, but returned for practice the next day. Am I any good now? No. But am I better? Definitely.

Somewhere along the line, I started noticing how some people were ‘naturally’ good at debating, and substantiating their arguments with enough to convince the other side. It made me ask myself why I’m trying to develop a skill that I don’t have, while maybe missing out on an unexplored creative potential.

On other days, I tell myself that no one was born good in a field, they probably work damn hard to be as excellent as they are. Maybe I should just read more. But am I trying to develop the right skill? Being intellectually smart can get you a lot of validation, from teachers, peers, friends, and family. But so can being the best in any other field.

Which makes me question what my truest passion and desire is. Sleeping. But even that can get tiring after a while, I swear. I honestly have no idea. And truth is after this I’ll probably go back to reading that article on Justice by Maureen Ramsay, like every other sincere student in my class is doing.

That’s my little rant for today. I know it’s not offensive or sensational enough to invite emotionally charged comments, but if you go through these weird quirky thoughts, and feel you’re no longer alone, then I hope you find some solace in that.

Have a great day!