Questions in Philosophy and Critical Thinking for Students

Abstract

This paper elaborates on the concept of critical thinking as based on relevant questions and answers when thinking analytically rather than on how-to advice mentioned in the newest definitions. This concept is taken further while showing what questions mattered in philosophy (with the focus on the contribution of Socrates, Aristotle, Bertrand Russell, and the American general semanticists) and how they advanced knowledge. Apart from historical significance, the uses of the Aristotelian definition to students of English as a foreign language is highlighted in a digression with reference to definitions in modern dictionaries. Assuming that listening, understanding and questioning are the basic stages in critical thinking, it is stated in conclusion that it is only the person who has a deep understanding of the subject that can put relevant questions to assess and appreciate the subject, which is especially relevant in present-day world. This view and the historical overview raises requirements to critical thinkers and to higher learning. Well-developed knowledge in key spheres of communication and humanities is considered a requirement to all university MA graduates and the duty of higher education to facilitate such knowledge.