From Critical Thinking to Criticality

From Critical Thinking to Criticality sets out a bold case for critical thinking across the university. It inquires into the need for, and the nature of, critical thinking; and it expounds new theories and arguments that are applicable not only across disciplines but, even more, across the university as the complex institution that it is.

Against the horizon of the contemporary world, this book notes how critical thinking is in jeopardy and considers the inadequacy of the technical debates in the academic literature. It picks up and radically develops the idea of criticality into a new idea of the university in a troubled world. Hidden potential lies within the university – independently of its study programmes – to advance students’ criticality.

With arguments situated in the contexts of ecological crises, the rise of artificial intelligence, the tense relationship of states and their universities, political populism and the emergence of a post-truth age, this book urges that criticality be re-instated and anew in the university. It is essential reading for students, academics, and senior leaders in universities, as well as anyone concerned to re-examine the significance of critical thinking for the world.