Running head: PHILOSOPHY AND CRITICAL THINKING
Philosophy and Critical Thinking
Lacey Hastings
Stenberg College
Introduction to Philosophy
Kim Bagshaw
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Philosophy and Critical Thinking
“Philosophy aims at the logical clarification of thoughts. Philosophy is not a body of
doctrine but an activity. A philosophical work consists essentially of elucidations. Philosophy
does not result in philosophical propositions', but rather in the clarification of propositions.
Without philosophy thoughts are, as it were, cloudy and indistinct: its task is to make them clear
and to give them sharp boundaries” (Ludwig Wittgenstein, 1921).
Philosophy challenges how we look at things, encourages us to question, analyze and
evaluate and to think independently. It can be described as a ‘Conceptual Enquiry’ dealing with
fundamental issues relating to life, knowledge and values; which relies primarily on analyzing
the meaning of concepts , identifying logical connections between theories , and evaluating
arguments and exposing fallacies (Lau & Chan, 2013). This writer believes that in exploring and
understanding philosophy one develops skills in critical thinking, which in turn benefit
psychiatric nursing practice. As such, this writer will review and analyze relevant literature to
support my claim.
How does philosophy develop critical thinking? Well let’s look at philosophy a little
closer. Philosophy can be easier understood by comparing it to science, like science philosophy
is a collection of disciplines (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). Science consists of physics, chemistry,
astronomy, archaeology, botany, etc. which are disciplines that are interrelated’ where as
philosophy also consists of a number of disciplines which are interrelated, including logic, value
theory, metaphysics, and epistemology (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). Let’s look at these closer.
Logic- Logic is concerned with what the correct principles of reasoning are (Anning,
2013). It is the study of what makes reasoning good reasoning; reasoning which helps us
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discover truths (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). Logic provides techniques for establishing whether claims of
any sort are true and focuses on questions such as; can we prove that our methods of reasoning
are correct? What is it for something to be possible? Or impossible? or necessary?(Dr. Korcz,
n.d.). Logic is about valid reasoning, reasoning based in sound consistent logic, not on emotions
and social pressure as the truth in factual claims is not determined by: the emotion that
accompanies them or the fact that they may be delivered by certain social groups (Lau & Chan,
2013).
Value Theory- Value theory consists of disciplines within philosophy focusing on things that
are ‘valuable’ (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). Such as theoretical ethics, studying moral concepts and asking
questions such as What is it to be fair to others? What makes actions morally right or wrong?
What are moral rights? (Dr.Korcz, n.d.). Also within value theory is Social/political philosophy
which is concerned with what makes government and other societal institutions just and fair;
Which is the best sort of government? When is a government legitimate? (Dr. Korcz, n.d.).
Following this is the philosophy of law, which attempts to answer questions such as: When is a
law a just law? Are there situations in which we are not obligated to obey the law? (Dr. Korcz,
n.d.). Value theory designates the area of moral philosophy that is concerned with theoretical
questions about value and goodness of all varieties — the theory of value; and has a
distinguished history of investigation ( Stanford Edu, 2012).
Metaphysics-Metaphysics is concerned with fundamental questions about what exists, and
explaining the fundamental nature of being and the world, attempting to clarify the fundamental
notions by which people understand the world (Stanford Edu. 2012). Within Metaphysics is also
philosophy of mind, which is concerned with questions such as: Is the mind a physical thing or a
non-physical thing? (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). It also involves philosophy of religion (Does God exist?),
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and includes the philosophy the nature of causation and the nature of time (Dr. Korcz, n.d.).
Within metaphysics is also the philosophy of language, which is concerned with questions such
as how words refer to things, what meanings are, and how words can acquire meaning (Dr.
Korcz, n.d.).
Epistemology- Epistemology is the study of knowledge and justified belief; is concerned with
what knowledge is, how we acquire knowledge, and what it is to have good reasons for a belief
(Stanford Edu. 2012; Dr. Korcz, n.d.). Entrenched in this theory of knowledge is belief“believing isn’t enough, since people can believe many propositions that aren’t true” (Hospers,
1997, p.40); Truth- “I may believe what isn’t true, but I can’t know what isn’t true” (Hospers,
1997, p.41). Evidence- “In the strong sense, I don’t know until I have conclusive evidence”
(Hospers, 1997), and Reason- “the sole judge of what is true” (Hospers, 1997, p.50).
Epistemology is about issues having to do with the creation and dissemination of knowledge in
particular areas of inquiry (Stanford Edu. 2012), also incorporating scientific knowledge,
perspectives, explanations and theories (Hospers, 1997).
In further comparison like science, philosophy is aimed at discovering truths, and both
science and philosophy make progress towards better theories (Dr. Korcz, n.d.). As we can see
from the disciplines, philosophy is a method of acquiring knowledge, is it about questioning and
evaluating, using logic and valid reasoning, looking at the evidence and challenging beliefs and
perspectives, and making no unexamined assumptions. All of these disciplines are based on
rational and critical thinking (Anning, 2013). Critical thinking refers to a diverse range of
intellectual skills and activities concerned with evaluating information as well as our own
thought- in a disciplined way (Lau & Chan, 2013). It involves analyzing, conceptualizing,
examining, questioning, reasoning, synthesizing, etc. In critical thinking one evaluates their own
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capability of thinking, acknowledging problems and weaknesses which helps to refine thought
processes- so we learn to think and assess information in a more comprehensive way (Lau &
Chan, 2013). This in turn increases our ability to identify, and reject false ideas and ideologies; if
one never examines flaws and biases behind their approach, they are not thinking critically (Lau
& Chan, 2013). Critical thinking is seeking out and being guided by knowledge and evidence.
When we explore and understand philosophy we cultivate an attitude of curiosity and
eagerness to widen perspective and broaden knowledge. We can see that the disciplines and
skills within philosophy build into the critical thinking approach. In understanding and exploring
philosophy one appreciates and looks for reason and evidence, whereas the lack of respect for
valid reason or evidence sabotages ones capacity for critical thought (Lau & Chan, 2013). In
philosophy one questions and embraces skepticism; not meaning an indiscriminate rejection of
ideas, skepticism refers to doubting and suspending our judgment about claims in which we are
presented (Lau & Chan, 2013). With skepticism one doesn’t accept claims that might be
unjustified but first takes time to understand them, examining the reasoning, and possible
assumptions and biases behind them(Lau & Chan, 2013)- thus engaging in critical thought. In
understanding philosophy we understand that we cannot be black and white thinkers, as there
aren’t always definite answers, we can’t leap to flawed conclusions because we don’t know the
answer. Philosophy and critical thinking are about intellectual independence, philosophy helps us
to be critical thinkers in exploring and analyzing problems, and acquiring and applying the best
knowledge and reason (Lau & Chan, 2013).
How does critical thinking improve psychiatric nursing practice? Well in being critical
thinkers one questions information, conclusions and points of view; and are logical and fair in
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their thinking (Christensen & Kockrow, 2011). For nurses, critical thinking allows one to have a
discipline-specific, reflective reasoning process that guides them in generating, implementing,
and evaluating approaches for dealing with client care and professional concerns (Christensen &
Kockrow, 2011). We know the importance of the nursing process and the therapeutic
interpersonal relationship within nursing, the two require a problem solving approach; critical
thinking leads nurses through decision making (Christensen & Kockrow, 2011) and allows for
the integration of the nursing process and interpersonal relationship for sound clinical decision
making in psychiatric-mental health nursing (Jones, Fitzpatrick & Rogers, n.d.). Throughout the
therapeutic interpersonal relationship the nurse uses critical thinking skills to determine the most
plausible strategies, analyze these strategies, and ultimately arrive at the best courses of action
For the patient (Jones, Fitzpatrick & Rogers, n.d.). As nurses it is crucial to not only be able to
perform skills (the “doing” of nursing) but to also think about what he or she is doing
(Christensen & Kockrow, 2011) As noted above, critical thinking allows for one to be
intellectually independent, to explore, analyze and solve problems, and to acquire and apply the
best knowledge and reason (Lau & Chan, 2013). Critical thinking involves creative thinking, and
creative thinking in nursing becomes necessary when traditional nursing approaches are not
effective (Alfaro-Lefvre, 2009; as cited in Christensen & Kockrow, 2011). Also as noted above,
philosophy and critical thinking deters us away from black and white thinking, as there aren’t
always definite answers, this is never more true than in psychiatry, as there aren’t always definite
answers, things are not black and white, and the psychiatric nurses needs to be comfortable with
the ambiguity of not always knowing, and to handle uncertainty (Lau & Chan, 2013).
PHILOSOPHY AND CRITICAL THINKING
In understanding and exploring philosophy one develops the capacity to critically think.
One expands their capacity for acquiring information, evaluating and analyzing that information
and widening their perspective. In understanding and exploring philosophy, one opens their
mind, questions their beliefs and assumptions, and becomes an independent ‘thinker’. When we
start to think rationally and critically, this benefits our judgment, decision making, and
intellectual development. As nurses, critical thinking is necessary for competent practice, with
critical thinking we can determine the most plausible strategies, analyze these strategies, and
ultimately arrive at the best courses of action for the patient (Jones, Fitzpatrick & Rogers, n.d.);
which is our focus. Philosophy builds on critical thinking; critical thinking builds on competent
psychiatric nursing practice.
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References
Anning, J. (2013). Philosophy. John Anning Philosophy. Retrieved from:
http://www.johnanning.com/philosophy.html
Christensen, B.L. , Kockrow, E.O. (2011). Foundations of Nursing. (6th ed.). St. Louis,
Missouri: Mosby Elsevier.
Hospers, J. (1997). An Introduction to Philosophical Analysis. (4th ed.). Upper Sadle River, New
Jersey: Prentice Hall, Inc.
Jones, J., Fitzpatrick, J., & Rogers, V. L. (Eds.). (2012). Psychiatric-mental Health Nursing: An
Interpersonal Approach. Springer Publishing Company. Retrieved from:
http://www.springerpub.com/content/downloads/Jones_Student_Guide.pdf
Korcz, A.K. (n.d.). What Is Philosophy? The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Retrieved
from: http://philosophy.louisiana.edu/what.html.
Lau, J., Chan, J. (2013). What is critical thinking? Retrieved from:
http://philosophy.hku.hk/think/critical/ct.php
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2012). Epistemology. Retrieved from:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/epistemology/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2012). Meta Psychics. Retrieved from:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/metaphysics/
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. (2012). Value Theory. Retrieved from:
http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/value-theory/