Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Critical thinking is an important aspect of Middle Way practice to avoid our judgement being hijacked by the stress of uncertain times. In this it is interdependent with mindfulness, the arts, and similar practices. It is not just an academic exercise, but relevant to everyone, and involving feeling as well as thinking. In this talk, given on Zoom as part of the online retreat 'Living in Uncertain Times', Robert M. Ellis introduces critical thinking, and also focuses on some of the key critical thinking skills that are most relevant to uncertain times: assessing the credibility of sources rather than accepting single authorities, avoiding absolute language, interpreting with charity, and weighing up degrees of justification. The talk was recorded on 24th Jan 2021, and includes discussion with the audience.
0 - 18" Introduction to critical thinking as a Middle Way practice
18"-33" Assessing credibility (using RAVEN) rather than assuming absolute authority
At 33" there was a gap for breakout group discussion and feedback (not recorded), but the talk then resumes.
33"-38" Using provisional language
38"-46" Interpretation and the principle of charity
46"-57" Weighing up the overall justification of arguments
57"-end Discussion points with the audience
Critical thinking is an important aspect of Middle Way practice to avoid our judgement being hijacked by the stress of uncertain times. In this it is interdependent with mindfulness, the arts, and similar practices. It is not just an academic exercise, but relevant to everyone, and involving feeling as well as thinking. In this talk, given on Zoom as part of the online retreat 'Living in Uncertain Times', Robert M. Ellis introduces critical thinking, and also focuses on some of the key critical thinking skills that are most relevant to uncertain times: assessing the credibility of sources rather than accepting single authorities, avoiding absolute language, interpreting with charity, and weighing up degrees of justification. The talk was recorded on 24th Jan 2021, and includes discussion with the audience.
0 - 18" Introduction to critical thinking as a Middle Way practice
18"-33" Assessing credibility (using RAVEN) rather than assuming absolute authority
At 33" there was a gap for breakout group discussion and feedback (not recorded), but the talk then resumes.
33"-38" Using provisional language
38"-46" Interpretation and the principle of charity
46"-57" Weighing up the overall justification of arguments
57"-end Discussion points with the audience
