Critical thinking (the ability to apply rational skills to evaluate communication) influences our understanding of concepts and events, our trust in authorities and in one another, and our actions (Browne and Freeman 302). In this essay, I examine how rhetoric and critical thinking inform one another and how improved critical thinking skills often leads to ethical behavior. I then suggest a participatory-critical pedagogy that includes critical thinking, collaborative learning, and service learning projects, all of which empower individuals and ultimately encourage ethical behavior in society. I intend my research to motivate my readers to:
My research is limited in that I do not address the teacher's moral responsibility for the way students apply their understanding of rhetoric. I do, however, encourage teachers to discuss the ethical implications of misusing or abusing rhetoric and to inform students of the potential dangers involved in critical thinking that leads to ideas or actions that challenge the status quo (Kienzler 325).
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