Q&A: Developing Critical Thinking
Developing Critical Thinking
Question
Hello Rabbi, I’m 18, and I’m about to finish my first year at yeshiva.
Ever since I got to yeshiva, I’ve noticed a phenomenon: a lot of yeshiva students (at least those around my age, and even a bit older) don’t really think critically. It didn’t bother me all that much at first, until I noticed that I’m like that too — most of my political and Torah-related views have shifted in the direction of the views of the rabbis at the yeshiva (and there are a few issues where I didn’t agree with what they said, but not very dramatic disagreements). The same goes for books and articles — when I read Rabbi Yoel Bin-Nun’s article about an inadvertent congregation, I was convinced that his view was significant. Then I read your response, and I was convinced that in fact he hadn’t really introduced much that was new; then I read his response and was convinced all over again. And the same with various other examples. In situations like that I’m left confused — my positions don’t really have any genuine meaning, because they’re just a collection of statements from the last smart, charismatic, authoritative person I heard.
And this probably isn’t some side phenomenon. At a reunion of my high school yeshiva, after half a year in our first year at yeshiva, we had a discussion circle where we talked about all kinds of topics, and each person basically expressed, more or less, the worldview of the yeshiva where he was learning, in a very noticeable way. And it’s not specifically yeshiva education, because at least where I am they do try to present disputes fairly and to critique them and their assumptions.
I’d like to hear your opinion about the phenomenon I described (whether you’ve also encountered it / think it exists, whether it’s simply a stage in brain development, maybe human beings of all ages develop this kind of herd mentality in thought), and especially I’d be glad to get tips/methods for how to analyze positions I’m exposed to, or what books/topics I should study in order to develop this.
Answer
Obviously the phenomenon exists and is very widespread. Obviously it’s also natural, as part of the relationship of a student to his rabbis. But even though it’s natural, it isn’t desirable. It’s worth giving credit to every wise person (rabbi) you encounter, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use your own critical thinking.
I don’t have a general method to recommend to you. But your very awareness of the issue is already most of the solution. If you think again about what you read or heard and formulate a position, you’re on the right track. Age will also do its part. When people are young, they tend to be either very conformist or overly revolutionary (always going against). Both of those are distortions, and time, with your kind assistance, can heal them.
By the way, this is true in every society, not just in yeshivot or among religious people.
One more recommendation: listen to as many opinions as possible on every topic, preferably contradictory ones. Over time, that will instill in you a habit of critical and nuanced thinking.