Mike4 wrote:people who really are capable thinkers, do critically evaluate what they are being told. But were we diverge is I see part of the thinking as looking beyond at the rational, the evidence, the research and taking the time and trouble to read and properly understand what the researchers did and concluded. Doing this often (but not always) one concludes that the 'official' advice is actually and genuinely 'best advice based on the available evidence', and therefore correct, not 'wrong because I think for myself'.
I often notice those less skilled in critical thinking tend to start with the conclusion they want, e.g. "masks don't work", then cast around for supporting evidence, which is always available if one looks hard enough. But such thinking sometimes results in the thinker dismissing as arrogant anyone opposing their preconceived view, and all opposing evidence as 'rubbish'.
I might agree that people tend to start out with their bias and then scout around for "evidence" that supports that bias. I see this all the time here but it is not limited only to people who take a different view from you. I don't think that anyone here gets to define "critical thinkers" as only those who hold a similar opinion! To my mind critical thinking involves not assuming that the "experts" are correct.
As for "taking the time and trouble to read and properly understand what the researchers . . ", I will counter that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. I worry less about people who know nothing about this topic but know that they know nothing. It is the people who read a few things and then present themselves as some kind of amateur armchair expert that have me worried.
The reality is that (I would guess) there is not a single Lemon here who has the highly specialised knowledge in this area to be certain of their beliefs. But when they present their views as some kind of expertise, then I become concerned. Along with those who just mindlessly trot out the official line without question because "the government surely knows best" - interestingly it is often those same people who criticise the government left and right in other policy areas.
XFool wrote:Honestly, I have tried really quite hard to put across to you my pov (after all, like anyone, I prefer to be understood). More than once. For one reason or another you seem not to quite 'get' the points I am making. You seem to interpret everything in your own particular way which, unfortunately, seems to me to include misunderstanding what I am saying. I assume this is not deliberate, but it does make communication extremely difficult, AFAIAC.
If I may respectfully suggest one reason you find yourself in these situations more than most here, it is exactly what you just expressed. It seems that if someone does not agree with you then you automatically assume that they did not understand what you meant. But often they understand exactly what you mean. They just think you are wrong.
It can come across as a tad arrogant to assume that just because someone disagrees with you, that they lack the ability to comprehend you. Another distinct possibility is that you do not understand them!
I think taking an approach that is less condescending to your adversary might be more fruitful.
