Category: Critical Thinking

Reflection on Life Class Day 5 – God and Religion

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For me, religion goes beyond rituals. It’s about humanity at its core. I believe that the essence of true religion is found in how we treat one another, in the compassion, empathy, and understanding we share as human beings. God, to me, exists as both a creator and a destroyer—a boundless force responsible for the beauty of life and also the cycles of transformation and renewal that shape the world. This reminds me that creation and destruction are two sides of the same coin, essential for growth and balance in life. I don’t see God as confined to a single form or place; instead, I believe God is the energy that flows through everything, connecting all of existence. Living with integrity, kindness, and respect for all forms of life is, to me, the highest form of devotion, a way of honoring both the humanity we share and the divine rhythm of creation that surrounds us.

The doubt that stayed with me throughout the session was that how can we not believe that there is a force/energy that is driving us through?? Its a question to ponder on…

I often seem to notice that many people still struggle with finding the true meaning of religious beliefs beyond rituals and rules. They often question how religion fits into modern life, especially when balancing tradition with personal spirituality. People also grapple with seeing God as both a loving creator and a force that allows suffering and change. There’s often tension between following organized religion and pursuing a personal, inner faith journey. And in today’s diverse world, many find it challenging to respect their own beliefs while being open to those of others.

I believe that we can find common ground in religious beliefs by focusing on shared values like compassion, respect, and kindness. These values connect us all, no matter our specific beliefs. Let’s start with working toward common goals, such as helping others or protecting the environment which will eventually bring us together. By focusing on actions and shared purposes, our differences become less important and maybe someday we shall be “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”.

#criticalthinking #lifeclass@fs

Reflection of Day 5 & Day 6- On Religion &God

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I used to believe that God and religion were tightly connected, with specific rituals needed to truly connect with a higher power. Today, I see God as a compassionate presence that doesn’t always need rituals. Spirituality, to me, is about finding peace within, whether it’s through religion or personal beliefs. Nowadays, people seem to struggle with keeping traditional beliefs while adapting to modern values. Many want their faith to be relevant in today’s world, and some feel torn between their spirituality and social expectations. To find common ground, we could focus on values that unite us, like kindness, love, and respect. By understanding our shared human experiences, we can bring our beliefs closer together.

Critical Thinking_Theta_Day 5

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In my recent critical thinking sessions, I explored some fundamental questions about religion, God, and the values they carry. Through these discussions, my perspective and beliefs about these topics have evolved.I came to see God as an energy beyond human form, and religion as a guide that teaches us to live ethically. Religion provides values and helps us distinguish between right and wrong. Traditions and rituals can serve as meaningful reminders, but over time, I’ve noticed how religion has often been manipulated for agendas, impacting how individuals and society function. In these sessions I also got the opportunity to ponder about the origins of religions. And why are religious beliefs followed so unquestioningly, often without understanding their original intent?This helped to view religion as a guide rather than a fixed identity. It shouldn’t be used for personal or political agendas. I believe that humanity and kindness should be our primary guiding forces, transcending any religious differences.I still wonder If more people paused to reflect on the reasons behind their beliefs, would it bring us closer? Perhaps, how to find common ground and move toward a more understanding society.These sessions helped me see that humanity and the peaceful coexistence of religions should be our primary focus. While religion can offer valuable guidance, it’s important not to follow certain practices blindly. By understanding the reasons behind our beliefs and focusing on universal values, we can foster a world where people coexist harmoniously, valuing each other as humans first.

Reflection-CT Days 3&4

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Days 3 and 4 of the critical thinking class deepened my understanding of objective analysis and the need to go beyond surface judgments. A key exercise was critically evaluating a beloved brand, challenging personal attachments and highlighting the importance of unbiased perspectives. Another activity involved neutral discussions on controversial topics, revealing how easily biases can impact decision-making. These sessions underscored that critical thinking isn’t just for complex issues; it’s a mindset for fair, reflective, and balanced choices. I’m excited to continue honing this skill for clearer, fairer decision-making.

Lessons in Critical Thinking – Reflecting on Day 3 and Day 4 of Life Class

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Completing Days 3 and 4 of the life class on critical thinking has truly deepened my understanding of what it means to think objectively and analyze situations beyond surface-level judgments. These sessions weren’t just about enhancing analytical skills they were a practical exploration into how critical thinking applies to both personal values and real-life choices.

One of the standout tasks was a thought-provoking exercise where we had to “kill” our favorite brand or something we hold dear. This involved thoroughly evaluating both the positives and negatives, pushing us to question our attachment and take an unbiased perspective. While challenging, this task helped me see the importance of examining things critically, even those that hold personal significance. It emphasized that critical thinking isn’t just a tool for analyzing external issues; it’s equally vital for making balanced decisions in personal matters and avoiding overly biased attachments to ideas, products, or practices.

Another impactful activity involved discussing various controversial topics, where we were encouraged to weigh the pros and cons with a neutral stance. This exercise required us to carefully analyze different viewpoints and make fair, unbiased assessments. It was eye-opening, particularly as it underscored how easily personal biases can influence decision-making. I found myself examining my own opinions, questioning where they originated and whether they were truly fair or just habitual. The task taught me that sometimes, choosing neutrality or taking a balanced perspective is the best approach, especially when emotions or preconceived notions could cloud judgment.

Through these exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of critical thinking’s role in shaping not just decisions but also attitudes toward the world around us. These activities served as reminders that critical thinking isn’t only about solving complex problems it’s about cultivating a mindset that questions, reflects, and seeks balanced understanding. As I continue with the life class, I look forward to sharpening this skill, knowing that it equips me to approach both everyday and life-defining decisions with greater clarity and fairness.

Critical Thinking (Theta) Day 1 and Day 2

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The Day 1 and Day 2 critical thinking sessions explored the concepts of System 1 and System 2 thinking, demonstrating how these cognitive systems influence our daily decision-making. Reflecting on the session, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how my thoughts and actions are shaped by these systems. For instance, I now recognize when I am relying on quick, intuitive judgments (System 1) and when I need to engage in more deliberate, analytical thinking (System 2). This awareness has already helped me identify moments where I might have otherwise fallen into cognitive biases. This has helped me me to make more informed and reflective decisions in both personal and professional settings.

Reflection on day 1 and 2 of life class – Critical Thinking (Eta)

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The session has made me a bit more mindful of how I approach daily problems and decisions. It has highlighted that adopting different perspectives — using a broader “lens”— is important for making good choices. Prior to this, I always relied on my gut instincts or habitual responses, but now, I recognize the value of stepping back and engaging in more deliberate thinking and it has sometimes helped me both in my professional and personal life.

For example, a recent situation where understanding System 1 and System 2 thinking helped me to take a very important decision about purchasing a new piece washing machine. My immediate response, driven by System 1 (intuitive thinking), was to buy the latest model because of the new features and the sleek design. However, I paused and used System 2 (deliberate thinking) to evaluate whether the features would actually benefit my wash time or not. This more thoughtful approach led me to choose a model that was more cost-effective also easier for my mother in law to use.

As for the subtle influence of politics, I’m still not sure about the political narratives and societal structures since I’m sttill a bit distant from the politics. But, somewhere it has affected the way in which I think about the educational structure of our country and even the fairness between different castes.

Yes, It has helped me but I’m sure that by the end of the year I’ll be more confident and independent in using my thinking skills in many of the areas both professionally and personally.

Exploring New Lenses Through Critical Thinking

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Attending the recent critical thinking session was a transformative experience, one that has shifted how I approach daily problems and decisions. The facilitators delved deep into human brain development and posed puzzling questions that emphasized the importance of perspective in problem-solving. This opened my eyes to how viewing situations through different lenses can significantly impact the choices we make.

One of the most impactful concepts from the session was the distinction between System 1 and System 2 thinking. System 1 represents fast, instinctive, and emotional responses, while System 2 involves slower, more deliberate, and analytical thought. Understanding these two systems has already begun influencing how I tackle decisions, both in personal life and in the classroom.

Additionally, the session has heightened my awareness of how subtle political influences shape our thoughts and decisions. I hadn’t always recognized how much external factors could shape my responses and worldview. But now, I find myself questioning my own biases and considering where certain ideas originate. For instance, during a recent discussion about education policies at work, I was more open to exploring different perspectives, realizing that my previous opinions had been shaped by underlying political narratives I had taken for granted.

This shift in perspective has made me more conscious of how deeply ingrained systems of thought can influence our daily lives. By being mindful of both emotional and rational responses, I can navigate decision-making with greater clarity and empathy. I’ve come to appreciate how critical thinking allows me to step back, assess, and often find better solutions by not relying on my initial impulses.

In conclusion, this session has been a catalyst for a more nuanced approach to daily challenges. It has helped me recognize that the first response is not always the best, and taking the time to think critically can open up new, more balanced, and effective solutions.

Reflection on D5 and 6 Critical thinking class-Lota

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On D5 and 6 of our Critical thinkig life class, The exploration of religious biases left a lasting impression on me, unveiling the intricate ways in which our perspectives and convictions ebb and flow with the tides of circumstance. The diverse array of learning tools employed, including videos, articles, group discussions, and debates, has been instrumental in cultivating a more nuanced and critical approach to understanding topics as complex as belief systems, rituals, customs, and traditions.

One of the key takeaways for me has been the realization that critical thinking is not merely an intellectual exercise but a dynamic process deeply intertwined with our values and actions. The class emphasized how it’s important to combine our beliefs with careful thinking about what is morally right. This mix is crucial for dealing with the complexities of ideas like God, religion, and tradition.

The guest speaker sessions with Vardan sir and Parag sir were particularly illuminating. Their insights not only broadened my perspective but also provided practical insights that I foresee being immensely beneficial in navigating future discussions and debates. The diversity of thought they brought to the table served as a powerful catalyst for fostering an emerging thinking power within me.

In essence, these two days have been pivotal in shaping my understanding of critical thinking and its applicability to topics that often elude easy comprehension. I feel equipped not only to engage in thoughtful discourse but also to approach these discussions with a heightened sensitivity to the diverse beliefs and values held by others.

Life Class day 5&6 blog( Critical Thinking)

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Life class about critical thinking gives me an emerge thinking power about different topic like Believing in God, Religion, Ritual, custom, tradition etc. I got to know that moral values and action is must required along with believing in something. Through life class i also learned about how does ethics work in prioritizing things. ultimately the session was quite interesting and thoughtful.

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