Educating Critical Thinkers for a Democratic Society.

This papers asserts that unparalleled social changes call for a renewed emphasis on education and for education of a different nature. These changes demand not only reflective inquiry in the practice of knowledge, but in, the ethics and values by which the paths that lead to educational goals are chosen. Institutions of higher learning are being led to question the very nature of knowledge and inquiry on which they are based. Whether or not wisdom can be taught is being debated, and whether, if education can impact the development of wisdom, the university should focus solely on the development of knowledge is also under scrutiny. The most fundamental implication for universities is the importance of reinstating deliberation about ideas within an open community as the foundation of the educational and research environment. Building an academic environment that fosters critical thinking and problem solving not only in students but in the faculty and staff of institutions will be a major task for the next generation of educators. By developing critical thinkers, universities are ensuring the future of democracy. (Contains 26 references.) (SLD) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the on inal document. Educating Critical Thinkers for a Democratic Society Susan M. Awbrey and David K. Scott U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. Minor changes have been made to improve reproduction quality a Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. 1 PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY