Critical Thinking at the Free University
Born of the Bank of Ideas and the Occupy movement, Critical Thinking is a research project to understand contemporary affairs in the context of commerce, the media, government and public institutions. In the first year, we focused initially on banking and the monetary system, wars of the 21st century and climate change, exploring how these are related and where power lies to identify levers for change. Our work to date suggests power resides with a narrow elite whose wealth and power is derived from:
i) appropriation of common land and resources for private gain (which began centuries ago)
ii) the banking and monetary system (formalised with the establishment of the Bank of England in 1694)
We are seeking to lay the educational foundations to broaden the desire for change beyond the occupy movement and around the world. Without that desire, the occupy movement will have little influence in shaping the future; inertia and vested interests will preserve the status quo as our civilisation drifts towards the twin threats of World War III and economic collapse.
The media proffer a distorted view of reality which needs to be overcome by communicating on multiple levels:
1. Academic output for those with a deep interest
2. Digestible output for those who are relatively comfortable but have an unease about the state of the world
3. Simplified output for those who are disinterested or disengaged from the political process but are disadvantaged by it.
The critical thinking course is working on all of these while developing a blueprint for a New Economy
In year 2 we will be developing ideas and transition plans for the the New Economy and investigating the following four Modules:
Education
GMO and Pharmaceuticals
Energy
International Trade
Critical thinking is your defence against media lies and propaganda. Come join us!
Session details are available here:
http://freecriticalthinking.org/session-agenda
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