“As humans we live with the unrealistic but confident sense that we have fundamentally figured out the way things actually are and that we have done this objectively. We naturally believe in our intuitive perceptions- however inaccurate. Instead of using intellectual standards in thinking, we often use self-centered psychological standards to determine what to believe and what to reject. Here are the most commonly used psychological standards in human thinking.
1. “IT’S TRUE BECAUSE I BELIEVE IT.” Innate egocentricism: I assume that what I believe is true even though I have never questioned the basis for many of my beliefs.
2. “IT’S TRUE BECAUSE WE BELIEVE IT.” Innate sociocentrism: I assume that the dominate beliefs of the groups to which I belong are true even thought I have never questioned the basis for those beliefs.
3. ‘IT’S TRUE BECAUSE I WANT TO BELIEVE IT.” Innate wish fulfillment: I believe in whatever puts me (or the groups of which I belong) in a positive light. I believe what ‘feels good.’ What does not require met to change my thinking in any significant way, what does not require me to admit I have been wrong.
4. “IT’S TRUE BECAUSE I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED IT.” Innate self-validation: I have a strong desire to maintain beliefs to which those beliefs are justified by the evidence.”
5. “IT’S TRUE BECAUSE IT IS IN MY SELFISH INTEREST TO BELIEVE IT.” Innate selfishness: I believe whatever justifies me getting more power, money, or personal advantage even though these beliefs are not grounded in sound reasoning or evidence.”
Paul R. and Elder L. (2009) Critical Thinking Concepts & Tools. Tomales, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking Press, 21.
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