CHAPTER 1
Attitudes:
How They Affect our Thinking
One of the great debates centers on the question of faith or
reason. How do we judge— on the basis of faith or reason? Man
is, among other things, a thinking being. Thus, the thrust of this
study is based upon the premise that reason is the best means of
ascertaining truth, or, at least, some truths.
In a paradoxical but real way, however, everything begins
with an article of faith. To consider reason as the best route to
understanding requires that one accept the premise that reason is
sufficient to the end desired. We trust our reason. Granted, there
is much evidence gathered through experience that tends to
justify our faith in reason, but in the final analysis the word faith
is the operative term.
One can imagine all manner of possible answers to yet
unanswered questions. Did we come into being by a conscious
act of God? Or did the solar system begin with a big bang? Did
that dust cloud some scientists talk about really explode into a
universe of which we are a part? Or is it any less possible that,
as one commentator speculated, once upon a time many years
ago a space ship from a far off galaxy flew over planet earth and
dumped its garbage— and that’s how life began. Can we, should
we accept any explanation to difficult questions that our imagi
nation can conjure, or should we develop a system of critical
thinking, careful analysis, and the development of our practical
reason? The answer seems clear.
Before we attempt to learn how to think better about the
problems which confront us, we should know that we bring to the
study certain attitudes and prejudices that hinder the process.
Where do these attitudes come from?
Our attitudes are formed in large measure by our experiences
in five critical areas: the family, the culture, the school, peer
groups, and the media.
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