Critical thinking requires that we step back from our preconceptions, associations and dogmas to make decisions based on information as true and devoid of bias as we obtain. The inability to divorce our decisions from what we want to believe versus what is is more important than egocentrism, sociocentrism or relativism. We may be driven by all of those and still make a correct or incorrect critical thinking error.

The desire for self-preservation is egocentric, but essential.

By extension, sociocentrism is perhaps not politically correct, but also essential. A society that is not self-interested and self-respecting cannot be interested in its own self-preservation and perpetuation. Without self-interest a society cannot be willing to act for its own benefit, nor confident enough to look outward and act for the benefit of other societies. A society that does not care about its own continuation and self-interests is perverse, as well as doomed.

If by relativism you mean this - http://tinyurl.com/5xca55 - then relativism is the greatest barrier to critical thinking, as well as the greatest barrier to responsible thought and action by both individuals and societies. By this definition, in a mind or culture bound by relativism true critical thinking would be impossible.

The great thinker Maimonides said we must accept the truth from whatever source it comes. Relativism would seem to negate the whole concept of truth making it mutable and therefore dispensable. How can genuine critical thinking occur without as much truth as we can obtain?

The questions we ask ourselves on a daily basis could very well be the most critical and important factors that determine our ongoing success, happiness and fulfillment in life. In fact, the questions that we persistently dwell upon influence our thoughts, habits, decisions and actions in insurmountable ways that go beyond our conscious levels of understanding.
Because our questions are so tightly bound to our physical realities, they can almost instantly transform and take our lives from one end of the spectrum to the other in the blink of an eye.
• How is it that seemingly insurmountable problems are suddenly overcome?
• How is it that one person eases through their problems, while another person experiencing the same challenges cannot seem to make any progress?
Yes, questions are mysterious blessings, yet at the same time they can be deadly precursors to a life of misery and heartache.
Today’s article will help unlock some of the fundamental keys of questioning that can dramatically transform your life for the better.
Our first objective is to gain an overview of the questioning process, it’s purpose, benefits and outcomes as they relate to life. Our second objective is to break down the two habitual questioning patterns that will either lead us to a life of fulfillment or a life of unrealized potential. Finally, we will finish off our discussion by taking a closer look at some effective questioning strategies that you can utilize immediately to help you overcome the obstacles and challenges standing between you and your goals.
This article post is part of the Effective Thinking series of IQ Matrix maps that are designed to help you successfully deal with the problems and challenges confronting your reality. Topics within this series include:
• Part 1: Strategic Questions
• Part 2: Creative Thinking
• Part 3: Problem Solving
• Part 4: Critical Thinking
• Part 5: Six Thinking Hats
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Benefits and Purpose of Inspired Questions
Our questions could very well be the most powerful, motivating and equally de-motivating factors influencing our daily decisions and actions. In fact their influence over our lives is so profound that our entire thought process is completely and consistently absorbed and overwhelmed with the habit of asking and answering repetitive questions.
If you simply take a moment to reflect on the above