Why Don’t We Question Our Assumptions? Critical Thinking and Its Importance

The article Albert Einstein wrote to receive the Nobel Prize begins with the famous phrase, “It seems…” This sentence is more than a simple opening to a scientific paper. In truth, it represents a profound attitude toward the world around us. Einstein, one of the greatest thinkers in human history, seemed to have questioned the fundamental assumptions of science even then. But why don’t we, as humans, do the same? Why, when faced with many issues, do we automatically rely on accepted assumptions and beliefs without revisiting them?

What is Critical Thinking?

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze and evaluate information accurately and rationally. This type of thinking helps us examine and question the issues we face without blindly accepting them or being influenced by biases or preconceived notions. In essence, critical thinking invites us to look at ourselves and the world around us from a new perspective.

Why Don’t We Question the Obvious?

Have you ever wondered why so many of us don’t question the obvious? Why are fundamental assumptions, often ingrained in our minds for years, always accepted as truth?

One reason is that we naturally tend to rely on our prior mental frameworks. The human mind typically prefers to use familiar and fixed “mental models” because doing so consumes less energy. As a result, basic assumptions quickly turn into unchangeable perceptions, and any attempt to challenge these beliefs can create feelings of insecurity.

Biases and Preconceptions

Bias is another factor that prevents us from revisiting assumptions and beliefs. Biases, whether on an individual or societal level, can quickly become barriers to change and growth. Humans naturally prefer to validate their own viewpoints and beliefs, avoiding anything that conflicts with them. This tendency can lead to poor decision-making or even an unwillingness to adapt to new evidence and ideas.

The Importance of Revisiting Assumptions

Many of the assumptions we’ve grown accustomed to over time may no longer be valid. Therefore, the importance of revisiting these assumptions cannot be overstated. By critiquing and reassessing old beliefs, we can discover new insights and take a step toward intellectual and scientific advancement.

If assumptions are accepted without doubt and reflection, they may lead us down the wrong paths. However, if we can question and revisit these assumptions, there is potential for growth and new learning. As Einstein pointed out in his paper, many scientific theories began as baseless hypotheses but became established scientific facts through rigorous questioning and testing.

How Can We Learn to Question?

Questioning requires courage. It requires us to free ourselves from the traps of assumptions and biases and, instead of surrendering to what we have accepted as truth, ask ourselves again: Is this true? Is everything really as it seems? Could what we know be wrong?

For this reason, critical thinking must be regarded as a tool for improving intellectual and even scientific processes. Without this tool, we cannot discover new truths or innovative solutions.

The world around us is full of ambiguities, complexities, and assumptions that we might find difficult to set aside. Yet, critical thinking offers us the opportunity to step away from our mental habits and, instead of blind acceptance, seek the truth. Ultimately, the sentence Einstein used to open his article may have marked only the beginning of a long journey toward knowledge and understanding: “It seems…” But the real significance lies in asking ourselves, “Is it really so?”