Critical thinking skills are more important than they have ever been, and the analysis and evaluation of arguments – i.e. logic – is at the heart of critical thinking.
First, in the age of the internet the veracity of traditional information sources is coming into question more and more. With so many competing and contradictory information sources , how is one to decide what is true and what false? The only answer that makes sense to many is “Do your own research and think for yourself”. But to do this effectively requires an ability to analyse and evaluate the arguments presented on all sides: a difficult task for one who lacks training in logic and critical thinking.
Second, in the age of Artificial Intelligence more and more professional roles are being automated. In such a context the value of transferable skills – i.e. skills that are useful across a range of workplace contexts – comes to the fore. Specific vocational skills learned now may be of little use in ten years time. However, the ability to analyse and evaluate problems and proposed solutions to them – an ability that relies crucially on logic and critical thinking skills – will always be valued and sought after.
