1. THINK FOR YOURSELF Today is the day to…

2. Assume that you are a conformist “Only when you can admit that you are a conformist can you begin to identify when and where you conform.” (Drs. Elder and Paul in 25 Days to Better Thinking & Better Living…Ibid)

3. “Living a human life entails… membership in a variety of human groups such as nation, culture, profession, religion, family, peer… We find ourselves participating in groups before we are aware of ourselves as living beings. To varying degrees, all of us accept as right and correct whatever ways of acting and believing are fostered in the social groups.” (Ibid)

4. Typically, we accept group norms …and this acceptance is uncritical… automatic… unreflective… unquestioning

5. It is useful to remember that… “Group membership clearly offers some advantages… But those advantages come with a price.” Groups impose their RRules CConventions FFolkways TTaboos ii.e., group norms

6. Don’t Conform “Most people function in social groups as unreflective participants in a range of beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors analogous to those of urban street gangs.” (Ibid)

7. Be an independent thinker Don’t be a conformist…  Without reflecting on your beliefs  Without critically examining the beliefs of the groups to which you belong “…mindlessly following the crowd, “…unquestioning the cultural conventions indoctrinated into our thinking throughout a lifetime.” (Ibid)

8. For a fuller discussion Ask yourself the myriad questions that you find on p.40—fourteen questions that can help you identify conformity—in yourself and in others; in virtually every domain of life. See pp. 40-41 in 25 Days to Better Living & Better Health, by Dr. Linda Elder and Dr. Richard Paul, (Ibid) for a fuller discussion.

9. IT TAKES COURAGE “Overcoming indoctrination requires committed effort, insight, and courage.” (Drs. Elder and Paul, Ibid)

10. “It is the proof of a bad cause when it is applauded by the mob.” - Seneca

11. Six Strategies Dr. Elder and Dr. Paul outline six strategies you can use to become a more independent thinker. See pp. 42-43 in their book, (Ibid).

12. “Recognize that there is one free community you can always join-- the community of independent thinkers found in the best books that have ever been written. Independent thinkers can always find a range of great thinkers waiting for them at the Library.” DDr. Linda Elder and Dr. Richard Paul (Ibid).

13. Extend your reading on these ideas

14. Remember that these Ppts… Reflect the tip of the iceberg Are a “fast track” sprint; a capsule view, if you will They are presented as an overview of what takes much longer to truly develop…of what requires much deeper focus and practice in your thinking Even the original plan of our authors was for a 25- week “fast track”, not 25 days !

15. The source for this material and for our 25- Day CT Challenge is… 25 Days to Better Thinking and Better Living: A Guide for Improving Every Aspect of Your Life, by Dr. Linda Elder & Dr. Richard Paul, Pearson, 2006; and the Center and Foundation for Critical Thinking, CA.

16. DAILY REFLECTION NOTES Today I was successful in using the following ideas/strategies: The key insights that emerged for me today were: One problem in my thinking that I now realize is: I plan to continue working on this problem using the following strategy: