Centrality of Critical Thinking to Value Creating Education for Human and National Development

Abstract

The transformational role of education in human endeavors cannot be overemphasized. The basic function of education is to develop, in a holistic way a well-balanced, self-functioning and responsive individual who can spur development and transform society. The emphasis on the intellectual development of the human person is premised on the need to produce an individual capable of translating what is learnt into pragmatic programs as to be able to improve conditions under which humans live. This article explores the need for education in the critical faculty as the best avenue to the inculcation of skills, dispositions and traits definitive of value creating education for human and national development. By development we mean human ability to holistically partake in the collective contribution to the welfare of the society; informed by a conscious resolve to live, in harmony with others, a meaningful and satisfactory life. This view is premised on the understanding that knowledge in the critical faculty transforms individuals from dependence to independence, consumers to producers; and more importantly, into innovative, critical, creative, judicious, and projective entities with requisite abilities to navigate critical challenges that impedes national development.