Why critical thinking is integral to the humanities

Imagine checking a multiple-choice exam as midterms for your college class in, say, philosophy or literature.  This kind of rubric would largely seem ridiculous, given that teaching subjects that fall under the canopy term of the humanities are hardly measurable by such templates. 

If teachers are to truly gauge the learning experience of students, putting the premium on critical thinking skills is key.  Many college professors developing course outlines for humanities subjects would normally allot a huge slice of the grading pie to critical thinking, which can best be observed through recitation and essay-based exams.  Having a subject revolving around a critical-thinking dynamic must foster interaction and dialogue, allowing for lively discussions and making every meeting an occasion to share one’s thoughts.

In other words, critical thinking is a disciplined, intellectual endeavor, highlighting in students the need to not just analyze and study but process and apply difficult concepts.  It is an inherent aspect of sound reasoning, of a passion for clarity and precision in given factors and various contexts.  The critical mind cannot exist in a vacuum; it must be fueled by stimuli, ultimately leading to that so-called beautiful mind, one that comprehends (and empathizes with) universal values. 

In the first place, subjects like painting, music, poetry, and the visual arts are collectively called the humanities because they deal with often-elusive concepts that, well, make us human.  Like a deep appreciation of a sunset or how one is moved by, say, a love poem or a dirge.  Critical thinking seeks to make such examinations continual or even continuous, way beyond simple retention of information. 

Critical thinking aspires for opinions and judgments based on fairness and integrity; it’s not making critique for the sake of critiquing, ridicule, or bias.  All in all, a culture of critical thinking equates to a lifelong thirst for knowledge.  Plato probably argued for it best when he said, “the unexamined life is not worth living. 

Andrew Curran, Ph.D., teaches Humanities and French at Wesleyan University. An accomplished author with three books to his name, he currently lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children. More info on Dr. Curran, his work, and his careerhere.”