[oculusthrift]

i disagree. when confronted with something they don't want to believe their arguments are usually laughable at best. I don't see the critical thinking used when saying global warming is fake because it's cold outside in january and that obama is a muslim.

[dhimes]

His point isn't contrary to yours, though. His point is that they have the skills to think critically when they want to, such as when their basic ideas are being challenged, but they don't have the discipline to do it then.

I hadn't thought of this before. Yes, teach critical thinking in schools. But also teach the necessity of thinking critically about everything.

Here's a personal example: I used to teach physics at a community college, and would on occasion have some very young (15, 16 yo) homeschooled kids in the classes. These kids were very bright of course (and also very disciplined about their work, which accounted for a lot of their success). But they were also very religious.

Now mind you, although they were smart they were still children. Of course, metaphysical discussions would arise when discussing science and the origins of the universe (or biological things and what-not).

My instructions/advice to the class on these issues was always: (1) You will be tested on knowing the theory, you are not required to believe it; and (2) what I hope that you take away from the class is being able to tell the difference between scientific evidence and faith. We all take some things on faith- just know when that is, in fact, what you are doing.

I think this message (perhaps better articulated) needs to be spread far and wide today.

[oculusthrift]

I'm saying I don't see any clear indication that they have the skills, whether or not they apply them.