To think critically, we stay open to new ideas, are aware that not everyone uses the same words to mean the same thing, we know when we need more information, we refrain from arguing over information which is a matter of credible public record, distinguish between things that might be true and those that must be true, etc.
One of the things I like best about the book we are using as our text is that it states that almost anyone can improve their critical thinking ability, regardless of their performance in other subjects. I hope that also means that almost anyone can learn to think more critically regardless of their age.
Today, we discussed the differences among discussions, disagreements, arguments, and fights. I'm sure you are aware of the negative connotations of these terms, but some of them, in terms of critical thinking, are not that bad. Let's go over them one by one:
- a discussion means that two or more people are talking about the same subject, but no one states that the other is wrong about any topic
- a disagreement means that at least one person states that the other person is wrong about something but that person does not try to convince the other person that he or she is wrong
- an argument means that there is a disagreement and that one or more people involved in the discussion attempts to convince another person that they are wrong in their point of view
- a fight (verbal) means that one or more participants in the argument have lost control - their face may be red, they may have raised their voice, they may have resorted to personal attacks, sarcasm, or threats
The way I read this list, the first three are perfectly acceptable alternatives, despite "argument" having a somewhat negative connotation. Even "disagreement" may be regarded as a negative thing, especially since it has been used as a euphemism for a fight. But as defined here, arguments and disagreements are AOK.
Different people have different levels of tolerance for discussion, disagreement, argument, and even fights. I remember several years ago, Andrew and I were having a passionate argument about something. We each believed the other to be wrong. We both tried very hard to convince the other of our view points. To us, this was a totally acceptable interchange. We stuck to the topic and didn't get into a fight. But because it was passionate, a friend actually told me she was worried that Andrew would leave me over this argument! To me, her comment seemed to come out of the blue.
When I mentioned her concern to Andrew, he was totally dumbfounded. Why would anyone think that there was a problem because we each presented the arguments for our side of an issue? My friend has a very low tolerance for disagreement, let alone what we would consider a healthy argument.
I have a very low tolerance for fights. I have deep respect for arguments. And when I say "argument" in this context, it's more akin to an attorney presenting the arguments in favor of his or her client than to the context, "My boyfriend and I got into a huge argument last night and broke up."
I think that as long as people discuss ideas and concepts, we should be able to talk about almost anything. An argument, that is, when someone presents the arguments either against someone else's viewpoint or for their own, helps us learn. They help us see things from a different point of view. If they persuade us to change our minds, that could be a good thing. If we stick to our guns, we may be even more solid in our position than before the arguments were made. Sometimes, they help both parties see a better point of view together than either would have seen separately - that's synergism.
In our household, we have rules posted for fighting fair. I think I'm going to change the title on that to Rules For Arguing, after learning these definitions. The rules encourage sticking to the issues, listening, and looking for solutions. They disallow shouting, hitting, throwing things, using profanity, insulting, blaming, or name calling.
You'd think that we wouldn't need such a set of rules for rabbit shows and rabbit clubs. But unfortunately, that's not the case. I remember hearing two women yelling at each other at Convention last year. I don't know the people or the issue, but it was clear that the argument had turned into a fight. At a show a few months ago, I was afraid that two exhibitors might actually come to blows.
One only need read a large rabbit Yahoo! Group for a short time before you will see personal attacks substituted for making a sound argument.
My hope is that more and more people will decide to use critical thinking, to employ arguments instead of fighting. I'm sure you never thought you'd read on this BLOG that I encourage arguing! But in the context of critical thinking, I really do.
Laurie Stroupe
The Nature Trail Rabbitry “Home Of Grand Champions”
Precious Pet Rabbits
Affordable Web Site Design
