Philosophy vs. Philosophical Thinking (Critical Thinking)

An interesting discussion began in class the other day regarding the terms philosophy, critical thinking, and philosophical thinking. A few members of the class posited the idea that they are to be used interchangeably, and I would agree to a certain extent, but feel need to draw a distinction between philosophy and critical thinking.

I will start be agreeing that critical thinking and philosophical thinking are one and the same. That to engage in critical thinking is a necessary aspect of 'doing philosophy'. I would also agree with Jake's point that simply learning the theories of philosopher's long dead is more of an exercise in intellectual history than philosophy. This does not mean that these have no value, but simply that engaging these topics isn't engaging in philosophical thinking. They are still part of philosophy. An understanding of philosophical concepts and ideas aids the philosopher in philosophical thinking. This leads me to think that critical thinking is the kind of thinking that a good philosopher engages in. However, to simply call critical thinking "philosophy" ignores the intellectual concepts that philosophers can engage in that augment their critical, or philosophical thinking.

This then has direct implications on what teaching philosophy to children might entail. The fear of the class was that the students would simply be taught the intellectual history of philosophers and their theories. I share this fear that it is all they will be taught, but I do not see it as valueless content. As it augments philosophical thinking, and also can add important context to disciplines like history. For example, teaching the philosophical underpinnings of the enlightenment aids in the understanding of the historical movement, and aids in spurring critical thinking.


Ought the curriculum  to include these intellectual histories of philosophers even if the curriculum does not include critical thinking, or philosophical thinking?