Tag: #criticalthinking

Are you Theist, Atheist or Agnostic

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Whether you are a Theist or an Atheist or an Agnostic? We all have our own believes and values. Something that I was delved to think or question. CT class helped me question my belief, my values and my ethics. How we as a human develop our own beliefs through our thinking and experiences, how we keep on evolving based on some new exploration and experiences. Its okay to believe something that doesn’t exist at the same time its equally important to question what we are asked to believe. Learning the art to question and develop your own thought proces is something that Critical Thinking taught me this time.

Information, Knowledge and Intellect, terms which we may use commonly without actually thinking the true meaning that we are conveying. A group discussion by Parag Sir did help us re-think the terms we know and how we actually apply in our daily life without actually noticing.

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.

“Exploring Paths: Reflections on Decision-Making, Beliefs, and Religion”

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Religion, theories, knowledge, wisdom, or information—what do we need when making decisions? Do we require a defined path to become a better person, or can we simply go with the flow? These past two days of life class have prompted me to think more critically and reflect on my thought processes. Engaging with Vardan Sir and Parag Sir, along with sharing insights with fellow mates, has deepened my self-reflection. The group discussions and examples allowed me to analyze situations from diverse perspectives. What particularly stood out for me in the session was the confidence with which I could identify my stance as a believer, an agnostic, or an atheist.

Enhancing Critical Thinking skills

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The 3rd & 4th Life classes were very informative and had a lot of new topics which I discovered of.

I find group activities during life class sessions more enjoyable, but I also appreciate our facilitators who always tells us to keep our own perspectives first and then mutually come to a common decision. When involved in group activities there are a lot of new points which gives me a new perspective that I would have never thought of, due to which my brain engages in a bit more exercise to explore alternative and creative perspectives.

My takeaways from these recent life classes is that I learnt some disciples about human being where the points I liked were:

  1. Human is a sophisticated mechanism on the planet.
  2. All desires evolve with time and age.
  3. What we accumulate from our surroundings is ours and not of others.
  4. Faith is a blind power which paralyzes our brain.
  5. When you fully accept your lack of knowledge for anything, that’s when you’ll truly begin to inquire and seek understanding.
  6. Everything which comes to our mind is from our 5 senses.
  7. There is a very vast difference in the words “belief” & “faith”

A very nice activity which had different types of biases and its meaning where we could ourselves identify where and how we apply those biases and how we can overcome certain biases with something positive.

The movie “The Man from Earth” which was shown to us was quite interesting and it portrayed how different people react differently on the same situation, which makes us think that how we are grown and what all intakes we accumulate while growing is how we react at any situation.

At the end CT is helpful in life but it doesn’t come in just few days, it takes time and positive initiatives by our own self to come to that level of thinking.

Critical Thinking: ETA’23-24

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Both the sessions of the Critical Thinking life class have been truly insightful as well as thought-provoking. It’s not just about analyzing arguments; it’s about refining my own thoughts, questioning assumptions, and making well-informed decisions. It has helped me recognize and identify things around which was unnoticed or never thought of, approach issues more openly, and engage in more meaningful conversations. My major takeaway from both sessions has to be thinking more openly and analyzing things from various perspectives.

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If you practice critical thinking, you logically connect ideas, scrutinize and evaluate arguments, find inconsistencies and errors in your work and the work of others, solve complex problems and engage in reflection.
What I learnt from these two days were that I don’t allow myself to go to some pandit, baba to solve my problems, as only I am the person who can work on them but there are many people who are grappling with some beliefs like we can not do pooja during periods, Different communities have to follow only their religion, Only particular reason is showing the right path, and Follow the authorities blindly without thinking logically etc.Critical thinking helps to be more open-minded and think logically about religion and beliefs. I will surely be able to question myself whenever I might have to take any decision about my beliefs.

Critical Thinking – Iota

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The first two days of CT LC were a lot of fun. My key takeaway from the first day was the clarity we got on what critical thinking means. That 12-minute video was really nice. The activities and discussions were good too. There was not a lot of new learning for me, as I’m also a TOK teacher and have had similar discussions many times, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the first day for the same reason – being a TOK teacher, I could participate well and enjoyed practicing my critical thinking skills. The second way was centered around Oppenheimer. It was an excellent movie and made me think a lot, although not being a regular theatre goer did give me a slight headache. We ended by having a discussion about the movie and some ethics-related questions.

Confused.. still moving on..!!

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My journey of Critical Thinking so far has taught me to think two ways: Keeping your emotions aside as well as considering them.

There are many situations in every individual’s life where they have to think critically and hop to one conclusion. But is it easy?

I have learned to analyze a situation without overthinking. Critical thinking reflects that emotions and reasoning go hand in hand. It gives us ownership of beliefs. The decision between a fact and an opinion will be taken on grey areas and not black & white.

The question which still resolves is Who is God? I mean I have seen my family discussing about Lord Krishna because of which I have various images and types of GOD in mind. But, Now after the sessions and discussion, I am confused that no one has seen god, all these stories are assumptions that something of this sort must have happened and people are believing it since ages.

I never doubted on the existence of God! There is some creator and destroyer, there is some supreme being.

Religion what I believe is all man – made, people of same beliefs and location came together to form a group and then they made their own rituals and traditions and then domination started.

Also, learned that one should not be biased in taking decisions but think critically about what is actually important for us.

With gratitude,

Palak Joshi

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT

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This session start with thourgh the small video about implicit bias people are doing consciously or unconsciously.. which canight hurt others emotions or beliefs.. which we can take care of by conscious efforts. Than through the movie we had shown that how people are bias towards each individual… Than the scientific methodology which help to framing and right questions at right time. And for getting that answer you are doing research work as well as collection of evidence will help.. than how different different manipulative advertisements attract the coustomers as well as making fool… We have to be mindful what we have to choose according to our need.. not according to what others want to give..

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