How To Ask Questions That Prompt Critical Thinking

Summary

The video script addresses the critical thinking deficit in our society, where people often make judgments without thorough research. It introduces strategies to foster critical thinking through questioning, highlighting Brandon Stanton's 'spiraling down' technique from Humans of New York. This method encourages deeper conversations by gradually focusing on more specific details. Additionally, the script advises replacing 'why' with 'how' or 'what' to promote open-ended thinking and storytelling, rather than justification. The goal is to enhance critical thinking and counter the current deficit.

Takeaways

• 🌐 We are living in an 'international critical thinking deficit' where people often make decisions without thorough research or deep thought.
• 🗣️ The video aims to explore how to ask questions that promote critical thinking, which is essential for better decision-making and understanding.
• 📸 Brandon Stanton, the founder of Humans Of New York, uses a 'spiraling down' technique in conversations to delve deeper into people's stories and thoughts.
• 🌀 The 'spiraling down' technique involves starting with general questions and progressively asking more specific ones to reach the core of a narrative.
• 📖 Stanton's approach to storytelling through photography and conversation is a practical tool for engaging in meaningful dialogues.
• 🤔 The concept of 'specificity is the soul of narrative' is highlighted, emphasizing that the more specific a question, the richer the narrative and understanding.
• 🔍 The Socratic method of inquiry through questions is mentioned as a way to encourage critical thinking and open-minded exploration of ideas.
• 🚫 The video suggests avoiding 'why' questions in favor of 'how' or 'what' to prevent people from rationalizing and to keep their minds open to new ideas.
• 💡 The '5 whys' technique is introduced as a method for promoting design thinking, but the video recommends using 'how' and 'what' for critical thinking to avoid defensive reactions.
• 🌟 The video concludes with an invitation to use the spiraling technique and 'how' or 'what' questions to counter the critical thinking deficit and foster deeper understanding.

Q & A

What is the main issue discussed in the script?

The main issue discussed is the critical thinking deficit in society, where people often make judgments and decisions without thoroughly researching information.

What is the purpose of the video mentioned in the script?

The purpose of the video is to explore how to ask questions that promote critical thinking and to share strategies for doing so.

Who is Brandon Stanton and what is his connection to the topic?

Brandon Stanton is the founder of Humans Of New York, a project that collects and shares stories of people through photography and quotes. His technique of 'spiraling down' in conversation is highlighted as a method to promote critical thinking.

What does the term 'spiraling down' refer to in the context of the script?

In the context of the script, 'spiraling down' refers to a conversation technique where one starts with general questions and gradually becomes more specific, similar to the shape of a spiral, to delve deeper into a subject.

How does the 'spiraling down' technique help in promoting critical thinking?

The 'spiraling down' technique helps promote critical thinking by allowing for a natural progression from general to specific questions, which encourages deeper exploration of topics and personal reflection.

What is the significance of specificity in storytelling and critical thinking as mentioned in the script?

Specificity is crucial in storytelling and critical thinking because it allows for a more detailed and meaningful exploration of ideas, leading to richer narratives and more profound understanding.

What is the '5 whys' technique and how is it related to critical thinking?

The '5 whys' technique is a method of asking 'why' five times to reach the root cause of a problem or issue. It is related to critical thinking as it encourages deeper analysis and understanding.

Why does the script suggest avoiding 'why' questions in favor of 'how' or 'what'?

The script suggests avoiding 'why' questions because they can lead to rationalization and justification, which may not promote open critical thinking. 'How' and 'what' questions are more open-ended and encourage exploration without the need for immediate justification.

What is the 'broaden and build theory' mentioned in the script?

The 'broaden and build theory' is a concept from positive psychology that suggests positive emotions can broaden our thinking and build our cognitive resources, allowing us to be more open to new ideas and experiences.

How can the techniques discussed in the script help offset the critical thinking deficit?

By applying the 'spiraling down' technique and asking open-ended 'how' or 'what' questions, individuals can engage in more thoughtful and in-depth conversations, which can help stimulate and develop critical thinking skills.

Who is Chad Littlefield and what is his role in the script?

Chad Littlefield is the speaker in the script, sharing insights and strategies on how to promote critical thinking through questioning techniques.