On Being Critical
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 12918132 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Cees J Hamelink (University of Amsterdam, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2008 |
| Volume | 1 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 3-7 |
| Publication date | 2008-02-29 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Communication Culture and Critique (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1753-9137 • E-ISSN: 1753-9129 |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press (OUP) (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1111/j.1753-9137.2007.00001.x |
| OpenAlex | W2054168194 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
One can think uncritically about many things, but one cannot think scientifically in an uncritical way. It is difficult to imagine how anyone could engage in scientific research without being critical! Uncritical thinking may be characteristic of other discourses in society, but science can only be critical as its brief is to make distinctions and engage in analysis and assessment. This mental exercise requires the reflexive mind. In science, there is no place for the absolutist mind. The essential clash we face in today’s world is a collision of mindsets that is more fundamental than rifts between cultures, ethnic backgrounds, or religions. This is the clash between the absolutist mind and the reflexive mind. The absolutist mindset operates with such notions as the absolute truth and absolute certainty. It aspires toward solid foundations, fixed grounds, and believes that there should be indubitable knowledge lest the world would be hopelessly lost. The absolutist way of thinking has ignored that Immanuel Kant liberated the human mind for speculative exploration and falls back on the Cartesian craving for certain knowledge. In morality, the absolutist mind operates with a sharp dichotomy between good and evil, and it perceives evil as “absolute” evil. This absolutism is abundantly present in politics. Very telling illustrations come from political speech in connection with the military invasion of Iraq. Speeches by U.S. President Bush and Vice President Cheney are full of statements like “we know with absolute certainty” or “there is no doubt.” Moreover, their political discourse identifies uncertainty and hesitation as a dangerous mindset
Absolute (philosophy · Absolute monarchy · Certainty · Epistemology · Face (sociological concept · Mindset · Morality · Political science · Politics · Reflexivity · Social science · Sociology · Education and Critical Thinking Development · Law · Philosophy
| Citations per year | 0.06 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2009 - 2009 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |