Critical Stance (Meaning and Explanation)

We explain what a critical stance is, what it is for and how it can be assumed. In addition, we tell you how to encourage critical thinking.

A German tourist and an Egyptian salesman exchange opinions. — Listening to those who have different opinions allows you to adopt a critical stance.

What is a critical stance?

A critical stance It is a point of view based on critical thinking, that is, on thinking that doubts things that are normally assumed to be true.and that tries to build a thought free of prejudices and presuppositions. Therefore, you have a critical stance regarding a topic when you try to think about it from an objective, informed and neutral point of view.

When a critical stance is adopted, therefore, one seeks to suspend any consideration that is not of the order of logic and objectivity, and one aspires to the truth even when it may be uncomfortable.

Doubt, argumentation and deduction become the main tools of analysisand the topic in question is addressed as neutrally as possible. For example, in the political debate between two opposing parties, a critical stance would be one that tries to recognize each party's strengths and weaknesses, and focuses on understanding the problem and the outlook, rather than choosing a side to support.

Critical stances and critical thinking are desirable in certain contexts. It is, for example, what is expected of a scientist dedicated to the study of a topic, of a judge supervising a litigation, or simply of a person with a certain analytical capacity when he or she must reflect on certain transcendental issues. The opposite of a critical position is a personal position (subjective, of each person), a militant position (party) or a committed position (social or ideological).

How to take a critical stance on a topic?

In general, a critical stance is the result of a process of documentation and reflection, in which it is essential that the following occur:

Search information. It is impossible to assume a critical stance from ignorance or lack of knowledge, especially because we tend to think that there is only one way to understand the matter, when rather reality is diverse, complex and with multiple perspectives. So, to form a critical stance on a topic, it is important to research it: go to different sources and know the different positions that exist on the matter.
Observe unprejudicedly. It is not only important to observe dispassionately and unprejudicedly the facts of the topic in question, but also the sources of information that have been consulted in the previous step. A critical perspective must also inform itself about the information that supports it, that is, it must be clear about where the information comes from, what perspective it has and how it was arrived at.
Reasonably doubt. Doubt is fundamental for critical thinking, since it prevents one from assuming an absolute truth about a topic. In general, absolute truths are usually simple, easy to repeat, and comforting in some way. One must, then, doubt: the information one receives (even when it comes from sources one has consulted oneself), established perspectives, what is usually taken for granted, etc. Doubting allows the individual to freely ask questions. You must doubt reasonably, applying rational and logical thinking.
Reflect on the topic. Critical positions are, above all, the result of reflection, that is, of careful thought, which is not subject to the vicissitudes of the moment. For this reflection, it is key to question what was thought and assume contrary positions, evaluate hypothetical scenarios, that is, think critically about the topic, in a realistic and measured way.
make a decision. Once the previous steps have been completed, a decision must be made on the issue that is informed by the arguments and perspectives that have been gathered so far.

Tips to encourage critical thinking

Critical thinking can be encouraged and developed, and for this it is advisable to follow the following tips:

Read a lot and read diverse. Consuming varied information, that is, from varied sources, from different genres and, if possible, in different languages, is an important mental exercise that trains the individual in the diversity of points of view and provides him with knowledge large enough to appreciate the complexities of life and history.
Travel and fraternize with other cultures. Establishing contact with other ways of life and with other ways of thinking expands the boundaries of the mind and allows the individual to appreciate an issue from multiple points of view. Cinema, music and other spiritual experiences also expand critical capacity.
Meditate and reflect. Whether through a meditation technique, psychotherapy, or simply taking time to understand the way they think and the way they act, an individual can deautomatize their behavior and expand their self-awareness, which is translates into less hasty and superficial judgments, and a greater capacity for discernment.
Doubt traditional values. Tradition and custom are useful for people, because they establish ways of thinking and doing things that are followed without question, simply by belonging to the group. For a critical thinker, these types of assumptions and prejudices are the first thing to question and dismantle, and for this doubt is fundamental: asking questions, such as: can this be understood in a different way than mine? Or is there something about this topic that I am not understanding and that prevents me from reaching the same conclusion as someone else?
Talk to people who think differently. Talking to someone who thinks differently can be an important source of critical insight, as long as instead of trying to convince them of our point of view, we allow ourselves to appreciate the truths and values of theirs.