Category: Critical Thinking

Today’s life class was incredibly thought-provoking, diving deep into the complex world of ethical dilemmas. We explored various scenarios where difficult choices had to be made, each with its own set of consequences. What struck me most was how our upbringing and environment significantly influence our decision-making process in these situations.
It made me reflect on my own experiences and how the values instilled in me by my family and community shape my moral compass. I realized that my upbringing has instilled in me a strong sense of empathy and fairness, which often guides my decisions. However, I also recognize that my environment has exposed me to diverse perspectives, challenging my preconceived notions and forcing me to consider different viewpoints.
The class discussion highlighted the importance of self-awareness in navigating ethical dilemmas. It’s crucial to understand our own biases and how they might cloud our judgment. By acknowledging the influence of our upbringing and environment, we can make more informed and ethical decisions.
Overall, today’s class was a valuable reminder that ethical decision-making is not always black and white. It requires careful consideration of various factors, including our own values and the potential consequences of our actions. By understanding the role of our upbringing and environment, we can approach ethical dilemmas with greater clarity and make choices that align with our moral principles.

The first two days of our Critical Thinking session have been nothing short of transformative, reshaping how I approach everyday problems and decision-making. With the guidance of insightful facilitators, we delved into the complexities of brain development and engaged with thought-provoking questions that emphasized the power of perspective. I realized how viewing situations from different angles can significantly change the decisions we make.

One of the most impactful topics we explored was the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is our quick, intuitive mode of thought. It’s always active, helping us respond instantly to simple tasks—like recognizing faces, interpreting familiar situations, or reacting to sudden events. On the other hand, System 2 is our slower, more analytical side. It’s engaged when we need to think critically, analyze complex problems, or make deliberate decisions. It’s a reminder to pause and engage System 2 for more balanced and well-considered choices.

The session also deepened my awareness of subtle social and political influences on our thoughts and decisions. I hadn’t fully realized how much external factors shape our worldview. Now, I find myself questioning certain ideas I’ve taken for granted and examining my own biases more closely.

Overall, this experience has sparked a more nuanced approach to daily challenges. It’s shown me that the first reaction isn’t always the best one, and that stepping back to think critically can lead to more balanced and effective solutions.

Day 3 and 4 of our Critical Thinking class were incredibly engaging and thought-provoking, filled with activities that challenged us to question our choices and the biases that shape them.

One of the standout exercises was an activity where we each chose a product we are loyal to—one we use regularly without ever considering an alternative brand. Once we selected our “dear” product, we were asked to do something unthinkable: “murder” it. We had to find alternative products, research them, and identify any disadvantages of the product we were so attached to. This was no easy task, but as we delved into the research, we discovered that there are often many options out there that could rival or even outperform the products we habitually use. This sparked a new awareness in us, prompting us to examine how easily we become attached to brands, often due to influences like media, culture, or familiarity.

This exercise led to deeper reflection about how our choices are shaped by biases we might not even be aware of. We also realized how critical it is to question and rethink the decisions we make, even the ones we assume to be entirely our own.

Another stimulating activity involved debating controversial topics. We were tasked with defending both sides of an argument, which made us confront our biases head-on. Whether rooted in personal emotions, cultural perspectives, or societal influences, our biases emerged and became visible. This exercise helped us understand how biases can sway our perspectives without us realizing it, especially in areas that we feel strongly about.

In short, these days were a deep dive into the power of critical thinking. They reminded us of the importance of questioning our assumptions, considering alternative viewpoints, and examining the underlying reasons for our choices. We left with a renewed sense of curiosity about the world and the ways our minds work, eager to continue this journey of discovery.

During the critical thinking session, we encountered a subject that resonated with each person’s feelings, convictions, and emotions. The subject revolves around God and religion. When I contemplate God, I envision a powerful entity that has created everything, and people seek it in every feeling. However, my perspective is different, as I reside in a country with diverse religions and beliefs, along with countless rituals and customs, making it challenging to define a perfect representation of God. I was raised in a Punjabi family and have closely observed that faith, yet I grew up in a region where an entirely different religion is practiced. Additionally, during my childhood, I connected with individuals from a different state and religion, allowing us to celebrate each other’s festivals, which helped me gain a deeper understanding of various customs and beliefs. Nevertheless, despite all these experiences, as I matured, I never discovered a definitive image or form of God. In my view, God is merely an energy or a power I turn to for assistance or communicate with in various situations. However, various religions have attributed faces to God, making it challenging to discern which deity is the strongest or if there is a God at all.

A few questions that often arise for me are whether religion or God is significant. Are all religions true? Are the texts, evidence, and books that individuals adhere to accurate and will they provide us with the right direction? However, I also ponder what the right direction is. Throughout a human life, many people’s engagement with work, passion, enthusiasm, and eagerness to accomplish various goals has diminished their connection to faith in God and religion.
I also believe that when we’re focused on working diligently to attain success and accomplish significant objectives, we tend to overlook thoughts about God and religion. It’s our dedication and hard work that lead to success; no deity or religious belief will help me achieve my aspirations.

In this vast population filled with numerous Gods, education holds significant importance. Individuals can quickly become sidetracked by magic and superstitions, and in every faith, there are individuals exploiting it for their gain. Superstition presents a complex situation where people struggle to discern right from wrong. Under the guise of religion and deities, a major issue lies in the destruction occurring among different faiths. A great deal of political maneuvering occurs in the name of religion, raising doubts about the existence of God. If God does exist, those who misuse His name for harmful actions, thereby harming humanity, should face consequences.

Therefore, having faith in God or a religion is a personal decision for each individual, but avoid imposing your beliefs on others or making comparisons. Instead, have faith in humanity and your abilities, and strive diligently to reach your objectives.

On Day 5 we discussed a lot about religion, beliefs, values, customs and their importance. I am a religious person and my beliefs and faith in God are very strong. During the first day, I got to see many different views about religion and the existence of God. This session helped me understand that to be a good human being we do not need religion but a right direction. We should have our own values ​​that lead us to the right path. Also, this session gave me a new understanding that before following any belief, think seriously and follow the practice that gives you peace. Your aim should be humanism and not religion.

Day 5 and 6 of our Life Class sparked intense discussions on critical thinking and religion, challenging our perspectives and deepening our understanding. As an individual born and raised in an orthodox Brahmin family, l’d like to share my thoughts on God, religion, and the intriguing connections l’ve discovered.

While the discussions in the critical thinking day 5 – provoked so many aspects about the belief system about the religion, I still believe the existence of a super power, Like concluded in the session by Vardan sir yesterday there might not be a proper evidence for the existence of religion /God, that we are in search for, however neither of us know how the vedas ,shlokas and mantras were developed that are in praise of Lord. I could still interpret the Darwin’s theory of evolution which points to the concept of Vishnu’s dasavatar in Hinduism while the latter part of it was found ages back and we term it as mythology. Dasavatar has taught the early humans about evolutionism and survival of the fittest way back however we are able to accept the scientific framework in a better way as modern humans.

I have also read articles that most premier research institutes have installed the idol of Nataraja -the dancing form Of shiva .
( https://tinyurl.com/3u76d9h6) While the scientists across the globe started believing about the super power Indian humans had, why are we still reluctant and in search of evidences is still a question unanswered in my mind.

While we all know that the universe follows diverse culture, we should start respecting the same. Also fostering a cultural empathy will help later generations understand the value system of our ecosystem.

God is an the Superpower that controls the whole universe, watching over everything that happens. Religion, on the other hand, is a system created by humans that sets the rules and guidelines for how people should live and behave in a community. It helps people understand what is right and wrong and teaches values that bring people together. Through religion, individuals find direction and purpose, while also following the teachings that are believed to come from a higher power. In this way, religion helps guide society by shaping how people live and interact with each other. I still question the existence of God. If God is imaginary, how do we explain the evidence we see? Believe that God is both the creator and destroyer, controlling everything in the universe. This view sees God as having the power to create life and also to change or end it when needed. It’s a belief found in many religions, where God has ultimate control over everything. People often grapple with finding a balance between their personal beliefs and the expectations of society or their community. There can also be confusion or conflict when different religions or belief systems clash, leading to doubts or a search for deeper understanding. To find common ground in religious beliefs, we should respect each other’s differences, focus on shared values like kindness, and have open conversations. Working together on common goals, like helping others, can also bring people closer. Being open to learning from one another helps build stronger connections.

These sessions transformed how I approach challenges in my life and work. The facilitators led us through thought-provoking discussions on the development of the human brain and posed complex questions that revealed how much our perspectives shape the way we solve problems. This experience made me realize that adopting multiple viewpoints can profoundly change the quality of our decisions. One key takeaway from the session was the concept of System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 is the part of our brain that makes instinctual, and sometimes emotionally charged decisions, while System 2 is more focused on careful analysis and reflection. Becoming aware of these two ways of thinking has started to reshape how I handle decisions, whether they’re minor day-to-day choices or more significant professional ones.The session also shed light on how subtle external influences can unconsciously shape our thought patterns and opinions. I hadn’t fully realized how much these influences impacted my perspective until now. This awareness of ingrained thought patterns has made me more conscious of the balance between emotional reactions and rational thought. By reflecting on both, I’m now able to approach decision-making with a sense of clarity and a greater degree of empathy. In short, this critical thinking session has been transformative, encouraging me to question first impressions and invest more time in finding well-rounded solutions. It’s a shift in perspective that I know will continue to benefit me, both personally and professionally, as I tackle challenges with a more mindful and open approach.