Critical Thinking Against Fake News

Last month I participated in a debate organized by Corriere della Sera on the topic of fake news. It was an opportunity to examine the role that universities can play in fighting the phenomenon. Critical thinking indeed helps one form stronger opinions in a context in which information may verge on much-criticized fake news.

And this is where universities come into play. Critical thinking can and must be learned during higher education. Introducing courses that explicitly teach and help experience critical thinking and generally help younger generations use logic may not eradicate the phenomenon of fake news itself. It will, however, certainly help ensure that students ask intelligent questions to solve problems and create opportunities that allow everyone to live in a better world and society.

Universities are places in which science and reason help in understanding the complexity of the universe, through the subjects that are studied. With their scientific research, universities help create new knowledge, fueling the understanding of natural and social dynamics in the surrounding world. With teaching, they help disseminate this knowledge in society and within professions. Student education during this historical time of extensive technological, social and cultural change requires universities to further strengthen students' critical thinking, assessment and analytical skills.

The rationality of the scientific method already permeates the courses taught at Bocconi. After the introduction of coding courses – and therefore data analysis – the next step is to increasingly add healthy doses of logic and critical thinking. This will help in understanding the complexity of problems and encourage the development of a mindset that is able to take on the growing challenges of complexity. These include challenges related to artificial intelligence replacing human workers or unimpeded industrialization that has progressively sickened the planet.