R.I.P. America

[packman]

[Funtatlaguy]

1. And that pretty much sums it up.

[Newest Reality]

2. That statement...

is probably the most important, underlying aspect of where we are now, above and beyond the results that stand out so glaringly and the demise that it is fomenting. Jefferson was absolutely correct.

I am not talking just about higher education either, (which is valuable) but a real, demonstrable failure to teach children HOW to think, not just what. A graduated path of just basic critical thinking, reason and logic is vital. It is just as important as the other basic tools we give children and put more weight on. It has been more about contents over process.

Of course, child development indicates stages where children can grasp reason and logic, but a good education system would build a gradual foundation and then emphasize it more in High School. It should not be a matter of taking certain classes in college alone.

Compulsory education without an emphasis on clear and sound thinking is more of a preparation for menial work and a means to fit children into a curve and a mold. I contemplate what would be the reason for neglecting something so obvious and a few things come to mind.

When you emphasize test scores, rote memorization, and the rest, you are programming minds, not teaching the mind to program itself, so to speak.

[Hotler]

3. "critical thinking," I agree there is lack of this in our society.

I always thought I had good critical thinking and reasoning skills until I went to college. I didn't go until I was 35yrs., my critical thinking light went off in 1st yr. college English. I had a hard ass professor and he didn't fuck around. His job was to teach us better thinking and writing skills and not High school grammar and punctuation. He gave us really tough reading and writing assignments. Those assignments changed the whole way I read, comprehend and form my thoughts when I write.

The take away is I look back now and to this day that professor, that single class was what turned my critical thinking light from a 100watts to a floodlight. I remember it as clear as day. I often think about how college was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. I grew in many ways as a person.

[c-rational]

5. +1

[Skittles]

6. excellent post

yes indeed

[Gidney N Cloyd]

7. Our college was a leader in a national critical thinking across the curriculum push in the 90s.

Educators were really taking it seriously for awhile. I'm not sure what triggered it, maybe a Reagan fallout thing. I think when the grant money dried up, the broader interest largely dried up with it for some reason.

[Fla Dem]

4. Let's hope not. If only if there are enough true American Patriots in our Congress.