The Echo Chamber
Think piece on if we can see beyond our own perspectives.
When I started researching critical thinking from a purely academic standpoint (with a bit of social and philosophical dynamic sprinkled in), I was careful to ensure I looked at various perspectives to draw my conclusions and inform my own practice and that of others.
When delivering my training on critical thinking I can see rich, well-evidenced and carefully articulated forms of thought journey.
To an extent, the academic space is protected. However, outside of the academic sphere, I have observed some differences in real-life.
The Echo Chamber
Defined by Oxford learners dictionaries as:
an environment in which somebody encounters only opinions and beliefs similar to their own, and does not have to consider alternatives
Taking this definition of an echo chamber, I have reflected and feel the high degree of attachment to our own beliefs, whether social, political, economic, environmental etc, can lead us down a path of not engaging with perspectives different from our own.
What’s the alternative?
I have thought about this more and more over the last couple of years and whilst we can still maybe stretch to appreciating and respecting another person’s perspective, how much of what they say will influence us into changing our minds? And are we in a continuous cycle of growing closer or being drawn more towards those who are more in agreement with us on a social and political level? Can we exist harmoniously with some healthy disagreement or do we each have a line that we will not allow to be crossed?
Is Dis-engaging the answer?
I would say, no. As difficult as this is. I think disengagement comes from a place of privilege. So, to be able to say ‘I don’t need to engage with X argument because…[insert reason based on socio-economic status]’ allows the support and structures we have nurtured over time to be broken down and only allows us to think about ourselves or people who fit into that category.
How can we encourage meaningful and critical conversations?
I think understanding the person you are talking to is the starting point. Understanding comes from listening to their experiences, their journey and and their beliefs. This way, we can start to see that the barriers that have been put up by us or society, are artificial and surface level and if we can treat knowledge as a way to learn and develop, we can approach situations much more critically. Not to say differing opinions will not arise, they will, but being more conscious of them and taking time to reflect is a good starting point in my own experience (albeit an ongoing journey).
A different post to what you would usually see from me. I hope you enjoyed it.