DENNETT X CRITICAL THINKING

 3 Brilliant Critical Thinking Tools Used by Daniel Dennett:

Dennett said. “Recognize that you’re not an expert, and since you’re not an expert, there are all sorts of things that might be very obvious to an expert that you just would never imagine.”

• Occam's Razor:

  • The principle of parsimony: When presented with competing explanations, choose the simpler one with fewer assumptions.

  • Example: Comparing the simple explanation of the 9/11 attacks (hijackers) with a complex conspiracy theory (missiles, holograms, etc.). The simpler explanation is usually the more credible.

• Occam's Broom:

  • A tool to describe how people sometimes "sweep under the rug" inconvenient facts that don't fit their narrative.

  • It's a reminder to recognize when relevant facts are being ignored, often by those not experts in the field, and the importance of modesty when confronting complex ideas.

• Engage with Others:

  • Critical thinking thrives through collaboration and questioning.

  • Dennett emphasizes the value of discussing ideas with others, as this leads to deeper understanding and progress. This idea mirrors the Socratic method, where dialogue helps sharpen and refine thoughts.

• "What if I’m wrong?":

  • It’s important to always consider the possibility of being wrong. This intellectual self-doubt is essential for critical thinking.

  • By being open to the idea that our beliefs may not be accurate, we develop the ability to carefully examine what we read, hear, and believe. Once open to critical thinking, we must employ cognitive tools to evaluate whether explanations hold up or not.