Introduction
Fair-mindedness is essential for a thinker since it is impossible to develop strong thinking without it (Paul & Elder, 2009). I suppose that I possess certain traits that are characteristic of this type of thinker. For example, I believe myself to be intellectually autonomous. I have never blindly followed the instructions of my parents or teachers, but always asked for an explanation or tried to find one. I always do my best to understand the reasons behind every idea or belief. While I find this trait rather useful I have to admit that it could be the result of my selfishness.
Main text
In my opinion selfishness or individualism is not too harmful a quality when it is not the one to define a person’s character. We have to admit that selfishness is only natural, being a part of self-preservation instinct. Besides, it is also quite helpful in several cases. Still, in the case of fair-minded thinking, this trait tends to prevent a person from developing qualities like intellectual empathy or a sense of justice. I suppose that I do not exhibit these traits, but I accept this fact and admit that from the point of view of developing a fair-minded (therefore, strong) thinking they are very important. This means that I have taken the first, probably the most difficult, a step towards improvement.
I have mentioned these two qualities because I can see that they are particularly important to develop, and at the same time, I think that they are the most difficult ones to master (Paul & Elder, 2009). While it is in human nature to seek the truth and to believe in reason, it is not natural for us to defend ideas that in some way differ from ours. Therefore, to develop intellectual empathy or a sense of justice we need to overcome the obstacles that can be found in our mind, to fight against our nature, which is undoubtedly one of the strongest competitors. While some characteristics of a fair-minded thinker can be easily mastered by simply paying more attention to one’s thoughts and actions, these two require serious, systematic efforts. I understand that in case I intend to change my situation I need to develop the two mentioned traits by repeatedly applying the standards of critical thinking (for example, fairness or completeness) to the concepts, beliefs, or ideas I consider (Elder & Paul, 2008). It means that every time I am ready to dismiss an idea because it is against my better judgment or because it hurts my feelings, I must ask myself if I am being fair. I should also try to understand the points of view of other people and constantly remind myself that they deserve as much attention as my own. In case the beliefs or ideas of others are incompatible with mine, I need to use my reason and logic to assess them and I must not let my feelings or selfishness become an obstruction.
Conclusion
I would like to also point out is that the traits of a fair-minded thinker are interrelated. It means that by trying to develop one of them I can also improve another one, which will help my thinking to become stronger and stronger. I understand that I still need to overcome several difficulties to truly become able to see the faults in my reasoning and to develop fair-minded strong thinking, but, being intellectually preserving and confident, I intend to improve in this respect in the future.
References
Elder, L., & Paul, R. (2008). The thinker’s guide to intellectual standards. Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.
Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2009). The miniature guide to critical thinking. Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.