Us no think now?

Question

Has the skill of critical thinking declined in the United States? Do you believe other countries have people with better critical thinking skills?

Answer 1

Yes, our children's science scores have dropped to 30-something in the world!

This is why we have to take our youth to survival training camps, for novelty, because city kids are so removed from the reality of living on earth!

Half of the U.S. population now, lives in Metropolitan areas...

Answer 2

Sigh, You just need to look at the posts.

Critical thinking has you question claims and statements. You don't have to disprove someone's claim. You require that they provide the proof.

The more extraordinary the claim, the more extraordinary the evidence that's required. In other words, if someone is making a fantastic claim, should they require you to disprove it?  Isn't that backwards?

The scientific method requires that you observe, collect data and test a theory (explanation). If the theory is disproved by the facts, you change the theory, not the facts!

Here are two sites about critical thinking and the scientific method.

Answer 3

Uhhhhh? What was the question again?  Can you write it slower?

Answer 4

Technology has made people lazy.

Plus, people like to have other people make their decisions in the US, so they can blame someone else if things go wrong.

It really is about laziness and responsibility.  People want to do the least work, including thinking, and only take responsibility if they are successful, otherwise they need a scape goat.  "McDonalds made me fat.  TV made me violent.  The media encouraged me to be in debt."

Answer 5

I think standardized requirements by the state and federal government (like regents and no child left behind) has pretty much ruined education in the US. Especially in regards to critical thinking. Its turned a place of learning into a factory producing interchangeable labor units.

Some bureaucracy in washing decides what children should know at each grade level then bypasses the constitutional bit that says education shall be run by the states by not "requiring" it but by saying that if your students pass these tests than your school will get a buttload of money and if they don't you will probably get shutdown.

So, of course, the school's entire focus is on nothing but making sure the students pass these tests. If there is any extra time don't dare teach anything else that might confuse the students. Just keep rehearsing the correct answers to these questions.

Thinking of any sort is not involved. Only memorization. Even very bright, curious children find it impossible to be stimulated in school. (public schools anyway)

Answer 6

Huh?

Me scratch head now-or butt they in same place thanks to TV!

Answer 7

Yes.