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KAT Talk, Spring 2002 KAT Encourages Critical Inquiry Thoughtful inquiry is a distinguishing capacity of humankind. When employed judiciously, it has been a catalyst to improve social justice, as well as physical and material well-being. In fact, inquiry has often served throughout history as an accelerant to fan the flames of freedom and knowledge. As such, inquiry has also served as the last line of defense for victims of oppression, prejudice and thought control. Inquiry can be a tool to protect democratic institutions and civilized discourse. As educators in a society that values constitutional liberties, we must concern ourselves with nurturing skills of inquiry. For through inquiry, assumptions and behavior are examined. Through inquiry, public officials can be held accountable, and discriminatory and shortsighted policies can be challenged. Inquiry analyzes commercial claims and inspects our integrity. Inquiry measures reality against our ideals, and proposes ways we might make up the difference. Toddlers present an inherent sort of inquiry as they explore the natural order of their environment and the reasons for their conditions. For a variety of reasons -- including safety -- adults tend to discourage these tendencies. But parental and teacher impatience, time constraints, preference for simplicity, harmony and order, and perhaps aversion to uncertainty and fear for loss of authority also contribute to the quashing of critical inquiry. Our reward systems are geared to soundbite answers, not to penetrating questions. Yet science is rooted in a process of inquiry. Art as well: "In a work of art, the intellect asks questions; it does not answer them," according to 1911 century dramatist Friedrich Hebbel. lf we want future generations who are able to advance healthcare, solve technological and resource problems, inform our ignorance and enlighten our policy-making, we must encourage them in the art and science of inquiry. If we agree with the late justice Brandeis that citizenship is the highest public office in our land, then we must prepare watchdogs and activists skilled in inquiry. Additional Lesson Information:
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