The Similarity Between Las Meninas and the Critical Thinking of Modern Philosophers - Coursework Example

Identified Manifestations Proving the Similarity between “Las Meninas” and the Critical Thinking of Modern Philosophers Name Subject / Course Date Total Number of Words: 1,506 Introduction Critical thinking is referring to the ability of a person to use cognitive skills by developing a logical reasoning and judgment which are necessary in enabling each individual to accomplish difficult tasks related to the delivery of effective communication, problem solving, decision-makings, evaluating and analyzing an object. (Hatcher and Spencer, p. 9; Halpern, p. 70) In line with this matter, the Center for Critical Thinking revealed that critical thinking requires a strong intellectual discipline when it comes to the conceptualization, analysis, and evaluation of information gathered from our external environments or the reflection of our personal experiences prior to making a an action (Center for Critical Thinking, para. 2). Bowers acknowledged this type of special skill as an important factor that enables each individual to become not only successful at work but also in everyday challenges in life (Bowers). With regards to the importance of critical thinking in the teachings of modern philosophy, critical thinking is often used as an effective way of evaluating, assessing, and verifying the significance of an idea or event (Boncori). Upon reading the first chapter of “The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences” by Michel Foucault, several manifestations or evidences that can prove that Diego Velázquez’s painting known as “Las Meninas” as explained by Foucault has a close similarity with the critical thinking of modern philosophers will be identified and thoroughly discussed. As part of going through the main discussing, several examples will be provided to persuade the readers that there is a strong connection between Foucault’s description of significant individuals behind the art industry and the process of applying critical thinking. Identified Manifestations Proving the Similarity between “Las Meninas” and the Critical Thinking of Modern Philosophers When going through the process of critical thinking, each individual is required to undergo the basic steps which is to conduct an initial assessment and evaluation prior to making a final judgment or conclusion. These basic steps are necessary when it comes to the observation of facts and information related to paintings and ideas that commonly criticized in the case of modern philosophy. Assessment and Evaluation of a Painting and Ideas Related to Modern Philosophy Velazquez is a well-known painter who has represented a series of paintings. (Foucault) Even though all these paintings has been successfully completed by Velazquez, each of these paintings has its individual stories to tell. Depending on the mood of the painter at the time he has painted a canvas, each painting has a unique characteristic that can either attract or repel the observers. The same theory applies in the case of modern philosophers. Given that people around the world continuously develop millions of new ideas and information each day, the modern philosophers will have his/her own personal point-of-view with regards to each information he/she will be receiving from external sources. When assessing a painting, Foucault explained that painters themselves including the observers of the painting undergo the process of critically assessing the quality of a painting. In the case of the painter, the painter has to stand at different angles to examine the canvas where he/she is drawing his/her personal thoughts and ideas (Foucault). In the process of painting a canvas, the painter has to critically observe not only the color combination of paints he/she will be using in delivering an artistic design but also analyzes the best painting brush, palette, and other related equipments that will significantly affect the texture and overall quality of the painting. According to Foucault, a good painter has the ability to see the ‘invisible’ aspects of his work by being able to project the specific needs and wants of the observers or the prospective buyers. The role of the painters in terms of assessment is not the same with how observers would assess a painting. In reality, observers of each painting will also go through the process of assessment not to think about what to paint but to examine the qualifications and ability of the painter(s) to deliver a good quality painting. This can be done by examining the painters’ historical background within the art industry and the painters’ reputation in his/her chosen career aside from details and clarity of information presented in the picture. In line with this matter, Velazquez has drawn the portrait of King Philip IV and his wife (Foucault). With regards to this particular portrait, observers would critically analyze whether the clothing drawn on the canvass matches the outfits back during the time when King Philip IV was still alive. Upon analyzing the whole scenario, there is basically a reciprocity between the painters and the observers in the sense that observers are actually observing the qualifications of the painters as the painters are focused on studying the observers’ preferences in arts. The same concept applies in the case of modern philosophers when they observe and criticize the theory or facts presented by other people. According to Foucault, Velazquez is using a ‘traditional vidual device’ which requires painters to ‘kneel and look towards the central portion of the canvass’ method to clearly examine the quality of the picture (Foucault). Similar to the painters’ assessment method, modern philosophers also assess and evaluate the credibity of a proposed idea by thinking and examining the qualification of the main source(s) of the information before they decide to either accept or reject a proposed idea. A good example is when modern philosophers ask themselves related questions such as: (1) Was the main source of information a scientific-based study?; and/or (2) Was the proposed idea only a hypothetical though?. By going through the process of criticizing the proposed idea using logical reasoning, modern philosophers would end up developing a set of hypothesis as to whether or not there is truth behind the proposed concept or theory. Judgment of a Painting and Ideas Related to Modern Philosophy Based on the information received by the audiences, observers can eventually conclude as to whether or not the paintings presented to them are worth investing. In case there is a single factor about a painting that is not in accordance to the personal taste and preferences of a group of audiences, there is a strong possibility that none of the observers would bother to praise the quality of the painting. Some of the audiences would even go to the extent of developing negative criticism against the painter(s) or the portrait and paintings they have completed in the past. Likewise, the final conclusion or judgment made by each of the modern philosophers would also highly depend on how they have perceived, assessed, and evaluated the facts and information they have gathered from outside sources. Discussion Critical thinking is important since it enables us to effectively solve different types of problem we encounter each day. In general, any information available around us, regardless of whether these information are in the form of verbal, writings, or drawings, are considered a subject of continuous critism. Since everything around us can be subjected to a lot of criticisms, it is necessary for each individual to improve their critical thinking skill. With regards to painters and modern philosophers as discussed in this study, it is essnetial not only for the painters but also the modern philosophers to develop competent skills related to the use of logical reasoning and analysis. Basically, having a good critical thinking and ability to analyze a given situation will empower each individial to deliver outstanding argumentative and negotiating skills when communicating their personal thoughts, opinions, and interests to other people. In the absence of critical thinking, observers of Velasquez’s painting will not be able to develop a good reason why they either decide to praise and/or ignore the works of each painter. The same principle applies to modern philosophers in the sense that these people will not be able to identify a list of valid reasons that has contributed to their deicsion to either support and/or reject a proposed new concept or idea coming from other people. Without having valid reasons that has undergone the process of critical thinking, It will be very difficult on the part of the modern philosophers to strengthen their personal stand on their final conclusion. Conclusion Foucault discussed about important factors that contributes to Diego Velázquez’s painting – “Las Meninas” including how the audiences are expected to perceive the works of the painters. Upon analyzing the story, several strong evidences with regards to the similarity on how critical thinking is applied in the case of the painter(s) and their audiences as compared with ways on how modern philosophers make use of critical thinking. Evidences were identified and discussed to prove that there is a very close similarity with the way each painter and their respective audiences as well as the modern philosophers applies the concept of critical thinking in their everyday life. Basically, painter and their respective audiences applies the concept of critical thinking when examining and assessing the quality of art works whereas modern philosophers use the same method when examining the truth behind facts and information as suggested by other people. *** End *** References: Boncori, Giuseppe. 2008. Teaching Philosophy as Education and Evaluation of Thinking. 13 October 2008 . Bowers, Nancy. "Instructional Support for the Teaching of Critical Thinking: Looking Beyond the Red Brick Walls." Critical Thinking (2006): Vol. 1, pp. 10 - 25. "Center for Critical Thinking." 2004. The Critical Thinking Community. 13 October 2008 . Foucault, Michel. The Order of Things: An Archaeology of the Human Sciences. Vintage Books Edition, 1994. Halpern, Diane F. "Teaching for critical thinking: Helping college students develop the skills and dispositions of a critical thinker." New Directions for Teaching and Learning (1999): Vol. 80, pp. 69 - 74. Hatcher, Donald and L. Anne Spencer. Reasoning and writing: From critical thinking to composition. Boston: American Press, 2000. Read More