Egocentric Thinking Rationality Denied Dr. Roger Passman Northeastern Illinois University

The Problem of Egocentric Thinking Egocentric thinking results from a self-centered world view Fails to consider rights and needs of others Fails to consider the point of view of the other One becomes aware of one’s own egocentric thinking when one is made aware of the underlying assumptions of such limited approaches to problems

The Five Egocentric Lines It’s true because I believe it to be true. It’s true because WE believe it to be true. It’s true because I want to believe it to be true. It’s true because I have always believed it to be true. It’s true because it is in my selfish interest to believe it to be true.

It’s True Because I Believe It To Be True Innate egocentrism I assume what I believe is true… Even though I have not tested my beliefs, or Questioned the basis for those beliefs, or Refused to investigate alternative approaches to similar problems that make up my belief system

It’s True Because WE Believe It To Be True Innate sociocentrism Similar to innate egocentrism but extended to group membership I never question the beliefs of the dominant groups to which I belong, nor Do I question the basis for the beliefs of the groups to which I belong

It’s True Because I Want To Believe It To Be True Innate wish fulfillment I believe the accounts of the groups I belong to that Place me and/or my group in a positive light and others in a negative light I do not consider potential negative accounts of my group by others nor do I consider the veracity of negative accounts of others by my group I believe that loyalty to my group makes it unnecessary for me to question the group beliefs especially when those beliefs are positive toward me.

It’s True Because I Have Always Believed It To Be True Innate self-validation I have a strong desire to maintain my beliefs in spite of evidence to the contrary, or I have never felt the need to question my long-held beliefs, or I simply have never considered whether or not my beliefs are supported by the best evidence

I hold fast to those beliefs that enhance my ability to gain It’s True Because It Is In My Selfish Interest To Believe It To Be True Innate selfishness I hold fast to those beliefs that enhance my ability to gain Money Power Personal advantage Even when I am fully aware that my beliefs are not supported by the best available evidence

Fundamental Solution Clarity Accuracy Precision Relevance Depth Awareness of the problem Develop critical thinking skills that focus on universally accepted intellectual standards that include: Clarity Accuracy Precision Relevance Depth Breadth Logical analysis Significance Fairness

Clarity Focus on elaboration Provide examples Provide illustrations

Accuracy Have you checked your facts? How do we know that the information we are relying on is the best evidence? How do we verify our sources?

Precision Provide detailed specificity Provide exacting descriptions Provide citations for your sources

Relevance How does your response relate to the problem? Ask if your approach is helpful in responding to the problem being considered. Acknowledge alternative approaches and why you have chosen the one you selected above all others.

Depth What are the factors that make your investigation complex? What about the investigation is difficult? How am I going to solve the problems of complexity and difficulty?

Breadth Have I looked at the problem from more than one perspective? Have I read alternative approaches to the problems under investigation? Can I combine approaches taken by others to develop a synthesis?

Logical Analysis Have I organized my thinking into meaningful chunks? Outline Lists Mind Maps Does what I say follow from the evidence?

Significance Are the problems I am investigating important? Have I selected the central idea as my main focus? Have I discussed the most important evidence in a thorough and complete manner?

Fairness Do I have a vested interest in the investigation? Conflict of Interest connected to: Money Power Personal gain Have I fully considered the positions of others? Have I investigated with an open mind potentially conflicting evidence even if that evidence is contrary to my own long-held beliefs?

Finally… Learning to develop a critical mind is a process Scaffold students as if they have already developed the skills of critical thinker Model critical thinking approaches for students Set high expectations Negotiate outcomes with students Create a safe environment that fosters risk taking, mistake making, and success.