There are two opposing social tendencies relevant to critical thinking, each supported by multiple driving forces. One is the tendency to social control and intolerance, to conformity and obedience, to fixity of belief and the preservation of traditional myths and delusions, to dogmas and vested interest pronouncements. The other is to critical analysis; to the transformation of beliefs; to questioning, doubt, and reason focused on the improvement of social life and conditions.

Critical thinking can flourish only to the extent that societies support freedom of thought. Significant support for freedom of thought presupposes social stability, open access to information and knowledge and authentic commitment to maintaining that access. Social and institutional practices that undermine the emergence of such societies warrant critique using the best critical thinking.

With that, the page goes into a long list of news stories, “documenting social practices that discourage critical thinking and/or the emergence of critical societies”. That is – stories that demonstrate the tendency of societies toward increased social control, intolerance, obedience, preservation of dogmas and the like. The stories come from Statewatch, a non-profit European group that “encourages the publication of investigative journalism and critical research in Europe the fields of the state, justice and home affairs, civil liberties, accountability and openness”.

Apparently, that nagging sense that I could be living in a police state is fairly widespread. The critique lists over 100 stories for June, 2007 alone – mostly from Europe. There’s no way they could possibly keep up with the sheer volume of stories about the social pressure to conform, to be quietly while you or your belongings are searched, to trust in [insert authority figure here], or to have faith in the insanely magical mysteries that come out of the US on a daily basis.

In the US, there are some things you can do to battle the forces arrayed against critical thought:

1. Don’t tolerate stupidity – not at home, not at work, not in your state house, not in the White House.
2. Read a book now and again – especially by authors with whom you disagree
3. If you have children, understand that their lives depend on their education.
4. Do not fear stepping out of line or raising your voice. Your government should be afraid of you, because you hold the power to demand change.