The 138th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme. The programme discussed the importance of building critical thinking skills in the nation building process.
The first guest on show, Mr. Sherzada, Lecturer, Department of the Philosophy, University of Peshawar, noted that habit of critical thinking is best developed by listening to others with patience and tolerance, giving them a fair chance to be heard, and analyzing different arguments objectively. Critical thinking is about positive, productive and objective thinking and not criticism. We should not get offended by positive criticism; it will only provide much needed feedback critical to progress. The nations good at critical thinking have greater social cohesion potential as well as probability of coexisting peacefully and formulating and pursuing shared goals of development. It is the hallmark of democratic nations and societies that believe in democratic norms and values.
The young minds during their formative years of education and development are extremely receptive. The best opportunity to build critical thinking skills among youth is through educational curricula which is inclusive of the ideas and courses that best serve to develop critical thinking, and also rethinking and reforming the teaching methodologies.
The second guest on show, Ms. Farishta Noor, Ulasi Taroon alumna, and student of the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, University of Peshawar opined that critical thinking in our society is one of the most misunderstood concepts, and often interpreted with negative connotation. However, there is nothing negative about critical thinking, rather it helps develop new knowledge. All members of the society need to be educated on critical thinking, especially women given the multiplicity of roles they play in our society.
Family is the primary, basic institution where the learning of children begins. Therefore, they must be given the space to question and express themselves, which can ultimately lay the foundation for a confident and critically thinking future leaders.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.