Don’t just believe everything I say.
The importance of critical evaluation, cannot be underestimated.
When I was in intermediate school (middle school in North America), we studied the book Animal Farm by George Orwell.
I remember at the time, being sorely disappointed in the content of the book, as it was not at all like the ‘talking animal’ books I read and enjoyed. This book was political satire.
Aside from the talking farmyard animals, I don’t remember much of the book. But one thing I do remember, which has stayed with me for over 20 years, is this one line: ‘All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others’.
It still makes me laugh. But it’s point in the context of the message of the book is clear. An elitist mindset, that some can be ‘more equal’ than others, can set a dangerous foundation by which an individual, or a group, can seek to impose their thought, will and actions on others, often at the denial of the individual rights and freedoms of those others.
It silences and subjugates the individual, superimposing and elevating the “common good” or “greater good” of the collective group, over the rights and freedoms of the individual, regardless of whether this ‘greater good’ is morally right or just.
Communism is a good example of this, which may be summed up in the phrase “collectivism must thrive, if we are to survive”.
‘Groupthink’ is another concept derived from Orwell’s writings.
Basically, I would define ‘groupthink’ as a collective mode of thinking set upon “agreeing for the sake of agreeing,” often at the detriment or disregard for independent rational and critical evaluation, or even for what is morally right, solely in order to maintain group harmony and consensus.
It can be likened to an excessive comradery, just for the sake of being ‘in the group’, often at the exclusion of or active discouragement of individual freedom of thought and right to express these thoughts.
This can be seen in workplaces, families, schools, universities, media, political groups, health professions, police/military forces, religious organizations and even across entire nations.
It can be dangerous.
“Collectivism and freedom are mortal enemies. Only one will survive.”
―
What is Critical Evaluation?
Critical evaluation primarily relates to how information received is analysed, questioned, examined and challenged, in order that a measured and comprehensive judgement may be formed.
It requires a high level of objectivity, an ability to identify potential and actual conflicting points of interest, as well as welcome opposing and dissenting viewpoints or information, in order that a thorough and comprehensive set of data, facts and input may be analysed to form a complete and full judgement.
It implies a lack of censorship of information (past and present), freedom of the individual from coercion, threats, manipulation or backlash, revealing of overt and hidden biases, the freedom and right to ask questions and to seek alternative viewpoints, in order to be exercised to its fullest potential.
We can see that critical evaluation can be applied on a micro and macro scale, but the exercise of it must be performed by the individual.
To relinquish the exercise of critical evaluation by the individual, unto another or others, that they may evaluate for them, can have tremendous potential to be misused or abused.
Cultivating the Right Environment
While we are all individuals, we have also been wonderfully designed to seek connection with and benefit from fellow human to human interaction. This may be as small as one-to-one connection, or as part of a larger assembly. It is part of human nature to seek connection with other people. This is not a bad thing.
The issue, however, with this inherent desire for connection and acceptance, is that in the wrong environment, it can be wielded and used against people to their, or others, harm and detriment.
The biggest problem I see with ‘groupthink’ or collectivist mindsets, is that it forgets or forgoes the individual. It forgets the one.
And, as history will tell us, this type of mindset can bring about devastating and unthinkable horrors.
You Have To Be Free
Whenever I think about the kind of environment that encourages and promotes critical thinking and evaluation, I always think of the parent-child relationship.
In a loving, safe and nurturing environment, the child effortlessly knows that it’s safe to ask questions, to ponder and examine, to seek answers and contemplate what has been told, shown or experienced. Most children do this quite effortlessly, until negative experience or environment, trains them out of this.
But to see a child, perfectly free in the love of their parent, knowing they are altogether safe and accepted, this child is free to learn, question, examine and grow, therefore forming a foundational framework for ‘critical evaluation’.
Modern Day Examination
Recently, I came across this documentary, and it summarises or showcases many of the points raised here. I hope you would consider watching it, as it does provide another level of awakening to what is really going on.