Original Thinking: The Withering of Intellectual Debate

According to some intellectual debate has been withering since the turn of the twentieth century resulting in an over simplification of society. This cultural embrace of simplification results in a society where the majority of the population uses the clichés and slogans that represent the ‘norms’ of society, without even thinking about their implications. Yet at the same time the vast majority of the population is better educated today than they were 100 years ago. This is one of society’s dilemmas. While a greater percentage of our population is university educated, it does not mean they are critical thinkers though. 

For example: “Students in a history class fail to see the importance of critical thinking in this subject. They believe history consists of dates and events that must be memorized and then rephrased in an essay…” says Laura Miller. What an important thought, because by contrast we should actually be focused on ensuring we do not repeat the errors of history and that society moves forwards. Understanding the worst horrors in our history helps us plot a new course for the future. Critical thinking affects every single individual’s life, as well as the movements of society in general.

It is potential that the number of critical thinkers that are at a low ebb when compared to earlier eras. By critical thinkers here this article is referring to those that build new philosophies that cause us all to think about change. Whether the ideas expressed are right or wrong is not initially at issue; the important aspect here is the necessity to cause others to stop, think, and consider before debating the question at hand. For example where is the modern radical thinker? We need to be constantly challenged by fresh ideas. Yet when deciding what ideas and strategies to embrace the criterion should not be whether they are acceptable or extremist, but whether they are effective in dealing with the problems we face today. We should never underestimate the importance of critical thinking.

This is as true inside a business environment as it is for society at large. How often do we critically examine the other persons view? Debate seems to be less prevalent in modern society, sadly this is a fact of life. Too many glibly take the current state as the way it must be and accept that things cannot therefore change; yet change is vital. Accordingly any idea that is genuine and able to stand the test of time should be able to be tested through open intellectual debate. Having this debate is essential for our society to grow and reach new heights.

One of the problems of history is the fact that 99 plus percent of our past is one where democracy plays no part. Civil rights have meant nothing to the vast majority of the human beings that have ever lived yet we have proceeded to live and function, but with very little contribution to the betterment of the species. There are many nations where there has never been a democratic way of life; irrespective of how others view that state.

Even modern problems like those facing Egypt remind us that society only changes very slowly over millennia. Despite a glorious past democracy has very little hold in the country and those ideas need to be nurtured in order to bloom, creating a better Egypt.  It was the continuation of old ideas that eventually toppled Mubarak’s regime. That is a problem for any long standing regime; especially since all governments are criticised of not listening to their people.

One fact is clear each society needs to try new ideas in order to become stronger. Hiding radical, untried ideas, benefits nobody except those that  control society today.

Every idea should be tested by open and honest debate. Even ideas that support the status-quo need to be constantly tested against new and upcoming ideas. Thoughts that we disagree deeply with can often germinate a small nugget that gives an old established idea new life and new impetus. Thus a conservative can be influenced by a radical thought and add it to their strategy, or vice versa, without impacting their overall message.

This article is not intended to favour one view or idea over another, simply to encourage the process of debate and through that the interaction of ideas.