Reconciling with Critical Thinking

Dec 17 , 2022
By Abraham Tekle

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The Ugandan writer Mahmood Mamdani once remarked that reasons led the developed countries, while emotions the developing ones. It may be possible to list many reasons, but the sloppy attitude towards critical thinking is a significant factor.

Emotional responses tremendously impact public policy and encourage government officials to make decisions in response to crises. But institutional capacity and a formidable system are required where incompetence and the absence of order are concealed under political partisanship.

The mindful self is conceptualised as an attitude developed by internalising and integrating the essence of self-awareness. Humans live in a cycle where beliefs and results are inseparable. Thoughts determine feelings, whereas emotions and attitudes determine performance. Interactions are connected with the outcome.

Customs in our country continue to be deeply rooted in centuries of practice to the point of becoming rituals. Tensions occur between government and groups, while cultural depth keeps them intertwined.

We have witnessed a surge in violent conflicts for much of the last couple of years. Despite a glimpse of political openings recently, society has experienced disputes due to incompatible worldviews that led to civil war and massive displacements. These conflicts have destroyed lives and institutional capacities. Many are forced to question the existence of governance. Economic marginalisation and a sense of tribalism with weak institutional capacities are highlighted as the cause of the failure to sustain peace.

The incidents happening in school compounds could accurately reflect the level of our emotions becoming the driving force. Tensions in the capital have risen following the confrontation between students and security forces led to public property destruction, injuries and lost lives. The actions are unexamined and driven mainly by emotion.

Upgrading the level of understanding for positive contributions is needed. Advancement in mind and mental enlightenment is critical to endorse the expected transformation that allows for embracing the fruit of consensus.

Lack of critical thinking lowers the ability to evaluate things while draining development. The effects can spill over to the inability to control emotions. Eventually, it leads to destruction and unrest because they both are interconnected. Individuals are expected to upgrade their level of understanding to embrace the fruit of consciousness.

The national dialogue is the topic on the table despite the incidents that have been unveiled. The initiation to introduce the principle by itself is a step up to transformation. However, an upgraded attitudinal shift is necessary to work towards peace; people can focus on creative endeavours. The economy can thrive as well.

Mental development, stability and order cannot solely depend on the goodwill of societal groups. While all these negotiations are underway, the federal government must reactivate its power to impose peace and contain violence by strengthening institutional capacity. Reclaiming all state structures at all levels and training the security forces to be decisive in stopping the violence while decelerating the already tense situation is critical.

Respecting human rights and maintaining loyalty to the state and not to any particular group is essential. Above all, professionals should be in charge of securing peace.

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PUBLISHED ON Dec 17,2022 [ VOL 23 , NO 1181]

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