Americans are finally waking up to the fact that there has been a substantial decline in our nation’s critical thinking skills.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the 21st century, where information is both abundant and accessible, the ability to think critically stands as a crucial skill that needs to be nurtured and honed. Critical thinking, the art of analyzing and evaluating information to make reasoned judgments, is not just a cognitive skill; it is a cornerstone of learning and personal development. As we navigate a world that is increasingly complex and interconnected, the role of education in fostering critical thinking becomes ever more significant.

Before delving into its significance, it is essential to clearly define critical thinking. It is the objective analysis and evaluation of facts and issues in order to form a judgment. It involves skills such as reasoning, analysis, problem-solving and decision-making. In essence, critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally, understanding the logical connection between real facts and ideas.

In recent years, many democracies around the world have faced challenges from authoritarian and populist movements that exploit fear, division and misinformation. Critical thinking serves as a bulwark against these threats by equipping citizens with the skills to recognize and resist manipulative rhetoric and demagoguery. A society that values critical inquiry is less likely to succumb to the allure of simplistic solutions and charismatic leaders who promise quick fixes without substantive plans.

At its core, our democracy relies on the ability of our citizens to make informed decisions. Whether electing leaders, voting on policies, or engaging in public debate. In a world inundated with information, discerning fact from fiction becomes imperative. Critical thinking equips us with the tools to assess the credibility of sources, analyze arguments, and distinguish between sound reasoning and fallacy. Without these skills, we become more susceptible to manipulation, misinformation and propaganda, undermining our democratic process.

Critical thinking plays a vital role in ensuring government accountability and transparency. An informed citizenry that can critically assess governmental actions and policies is better positioned to demand transparency and hold leaders accountable for their decisions. This scrutiny is essential in preventing corruption, abuse of power and inefficiency within governmental institutions. A democracy devoid of critical thinkers risks becoming a breeding ground for unchecked power and malfeasance.

In today’s digital age, we are bombarded with information from various sources: social media, traditional news outlets, blogs and more. As we know not all information is accurate or reliable. Critical thinking equips us with the tools to sift through this deluge of data, recognizing biases, identifying credible sources and distinguishing fact from opinion. Without these skills, we become susceptible to misinformation and manipulation.

Critical thinking facilitates the inclusion of diverse perspectives in the policy-making process. By considering different viewpoints and cultural contexts, policymakers can craft more comprehensive and inclusive policies.

For instance, in the realm of environmental policy, critical thinking enables leaders to understand scientific data, assess risks and formulate effective strategies to combat climate change. Such decisions require a deep understanding of both science and socio-economic factors.

Two areas that have contributed to the decline in critical thinking skills are education and the internet.

Many schools focus on memorization rather than teaching students to question and think deeply.

Education plays a key role in fostering critical thinking from an early age. By incorporating critical thinking skills into curricula, we can equip future generations to better navigate the complexities of the digital information landscape. Media literacy, a component of critical thinking, can help us all understand the biases and motivations behind different media outlets.

Schools and universities should endeavor to better integrate critical thinking across all subjects, rather than confining it to a specific course. By encouraging students to apply critical thinking skills in mathematics, literature, science and the arts, educators can help students see its relevance and application in all areas of life.

Personally, I developed critical thinking skills, not just in the classroom but also from eight years of debate both in high school and college. Attending law school, I soon found was not just memorizing facts and case law, but also in the development of critical listening, reading and writing skills.

As we look to the future, it is imperative that we recognize the urgency of critical thinking skills to the survival and flourishing of our democracy.

By investing in education, promoting media literacy, fostering a culture of inquiry and debate, we can ensure that our democracy remains a vibrant and resilient force for good in the world.

Accomplished astrophysicist and American author Neil deGrasse Tyson gets the last word: “A person who lacks critical thinking skills, thrives on fear-mongering and gets duped very easily into believing any controversial thing without evidence.”

Jim Martin can be reached at jimmartinesq@gmail.com.