What is Classical Thought?
And why is it important?
Classical thought is a philosophical approach to thinking that is based on logic and reason. It is centered on the idea that beliefs and decisions should be based on sound argument and judgment, as opposed to emotion. Yet, to make such sound judgements, we must first except the proposition that objective truth exists, and it can be known.
This approach focuses on assessing concepts in terms of their inherent logic, rather than relying on abstract ideas and opinions. It emphasizes universal principles, such as the law of non-contradiction and the principle of intellectual integrity, with a high regard for empirical evidence. As such classical thinking is an important tool for critical thinking and problem solving, as it encourages individuals to be objective and to make well-informed decisions.
In contrast, the currently held philosophical approach to thinking is postmodernism; and it has infected academia for over half a century. These academics reject the idea that objective truth exists or can be known. Instead, they claim everything is simply an interpretation of one’s lived experience. So rather than objective truth we are left only with relativism. To the post-modernists, objective truth claims are used only as a means of oppressing minority points of view. However, this perspective is flawed on two points.
In claiming there is no objective truth but simply relative experience; they are making an objective truth claim which contradicts their original claim that there is no objective truth. The logical flaw of contradiction.
Then let us examine the postmodernists’ assertion that objective truth claims are used simply to oppress a minority points of view. An example of this line of thinking would be a man deciding he is a woman and demanding all of society embrace his “truth claim” as an objective reality, and by not doing so is objectively wrong. Again, we find the flaw of contraction.
The result of this flawed philosophy is a lack of critical thinking in our society today. As analytic philosopher Daniel Dennett said,
"Postmodernism, the school of 'thought' that proclaimed 'There are no truths, only interpretations' has largely played itself out in absurdity, but it has left behind a generation of academics in the humanities disabled by their distrust of the very idea of truth and their disrespect for evidence…"
Which bring us back to the importance of recovering classical thinking because it enables us to make informed and objective decisions. Its reliance on logic and reason helps us avoid falling prey to emotion or intuition, which can be unreliable and subject to bias. Thinking classically encourages critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by asking us to consistently assess objects using universal principles, making sure that our arguments and judgments have sound basis. Moreover, it is grounded in empirical evidence, which better prepares us to make decisions in the real world.
In future posts, I will discuss the strategies and tools available to regain the lost art of critical thought through the advancement of classical thinking.