Category: Critical Thinking

This session was about how we make ethical decisions and justify our actions. The session introduced key ethical theories that shape our perspectives on right and wrong, helping us navigate difficult choices in both personal and professional life.

One of the central discussions revolved around Moral Relativism, which suggests that morality is subjective and varies across cultures and individuals. This challenged us to question whether universal moral principles exist or if ethics depend on societal norms.It was also eye opening in the sense that my ethics can be exact opposite from someone else ,and I should be open about it and should understand there perspective leading to the conclusion that moral ethics might not be universal and that is ok.

We also explored Self-Interest Theory (Egoism), which argues that individuals act in ways that benefit themselves. While this may seem selfish, it raised interesting debates about whether acting in self-interest can sometimes lead to overall good.

On the other hand, Deontology, founded by Immanuel Kant, asserts that moral duties and rules should guide our actions, regardless of the outcomes. This theory contrasts with Utilitarianism, which emphasises the greatest good for the greatest number. The debate between Rule Utilitarianism (which follows general rules that maximize happiness) and Act Utilitarianism (which evaluates each situation separately) highlighted the challenge of balancing fairness and consequences.

It was also interesting to note that how most of us make decision on self-interest theory and how our ethics and decision changes based on the situation. Specially after reading the article “The man hired to have sex with children” it came to everyones immediate reaction that this is wrong, but then the question was how come parents are involved in this thing and making their daughter undergo the same. The conditioning was then discussed.

A key takeaway was that moral reasoning is not about choosing the “right” theory but understanding different perspectives to make more informed, ethical decisions. By questioning our assumptions and applying these frameworks, we can navigate ethical dilemmas with clarity and confidence.

आज की लाइफ क्लास बहुत ही सोचने पर मजबूर करने वाली थी। हमने नैतिक दुविधाओं (Ethical Dilemmas) और उन चीजों पर बात की जो हमारे फैसलों को प्रभावित करती हैं। मुझे समझ में आया कि परवरिश और माहौल का हमारे सोचने की क्षमता को गहराई से प्रभावित किया है। इनसे मेरे अंदर दूसरों के प्रति सहानुभूति और न्याय की भावना विकसित हुई है, साथ ही अलग-अलग विचारों को समझने का मौका भी मिला। चर्चा से यह भी पता चला कि खुद को समझना और अपने मन के झुकाव/रुचि को पहचानना कितना जरूरी है। नैतिक फैसले अक्सर आसान नहीं होते, बल्कि सोच-विचार और सही संतुलन की जरूरत होती है।

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.