Tag: #criticalthinking

The Critical Thinking Class Day 7 was an insightful session full of discussions where the participants and the facilitators talked about the reasoning and justifications behind our belief in morality and our version of right and wrong. An individual’s ethical code of conduct and perspectives are a product of his/her upbringing, societal expectations, conditions, education, and the fear of consequences. However, everyone will refurbish their idea of right and wrong when emotions come into picture. The participants also delved into the philosophical theories on Ethics, their epistemological base, examples and their real life applications. The session was able to deliver its premise that moral and unconditional absolutes are not universal and subjective to change with every individual and the circumstances that they go through. We all face ethical dilemmas and developing critical thinking as a skill will help guide us towards the reasoning behind our ethical decision making.

1) I believed that God is someone who views everyone equally and is fair to all, and the various religions of the world are different ways to form a spiritual connection with God.
2) Today, I still stand by the same belief and think of God not to be someone to be feared.
3) Regarding the religious beliefs of people, it seems good that people have been following them since ages. However, knowing the reason behind it can help in better understanding it. Today, there are many who may follow a practice that may have been created for a different reason in the past, and in today’s world can be worked upon.
4) In order to come to common grounds, we should have many more critical thinkers who can look beyond and support the progress of humanity as a whole.

The first two sessions of critical thinking were based on ‘System 1’ and ‘System 2

System 1 – This is based on thinking quickly, and intuitively. It’s something that is automatic and requires little to no effort. It’s mostly done based on similar patterns or experiences.

System 2 – This is based on slow and conscious thinking and requires effort. It’s used for complex problem-solving and other tasks that need critical attention.

I have always been a devoted believer in God, growing up in a spiritual family. My faith in God is the foundation of my life, and I truly believe that everything that happens to us is part of God’s divine plan. Religion, for me, represents a community that guides its members along a spiritual path, helping them follow the customs and traditions that lead them closer to the divine. After yesterday’s session, I’ve come to realize that for those who truly believe in God, there’s no need for external evidence of His existence. For them, their belief is rooted in personal experience—the feeling of God’s presence in their lives is evidence enough. Their faith is not based on intellectual proof but on a deep, personal connection that they have felt, experienced, and lived. People often struggle with doubt in their faith, especially when facing tough times or suffering, wondering why things happen the way they do. There’s also a conflict between old religious traditions and modern ideas, as younger generations may find it hard to match their faith with issues like gender equality or science. Living in a world with many different religions, some people question if their own beliefs are the right ones. Many also feel guilty or struggle with how to live up to religious expectations, or whether to trust religious institutions. Some are torn between believing in God’s plan and feeling they have free will to make choices. Finally, some people worry about the actions of religious extremists or fear being judged for their faith. Overall, these struggles reflect a deeper search for meaning, identity, and connection. I feel that those who don’t believe in God can trust themselves and live their lives according to their own understanding. Similarly, those who believe can continue worshipping and following their religious rituals and customs, as these practices bring them peace and a sense of purpose. Both paths can coexist, with each person finding their own way to navigate life, guided by what they believe to be true. #criticalthinking

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

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.