Critical thinking versus faith-based thinking

Howard Dean stated very succinctly the difference between critical and faith-based thinking:

I'm a doctor. I believe if you have a theory and a fact comes along that disproves the theory, you throw out the theory. Republicans believe if a fact comes along that disproves your theory, you throw out the fact.

Dean's comment was apparently made on 9/28/2003 in response to charges that he was flip-flopping on a position (still looking for reference). I would rather have someone who thinks about issues and is willing to re-evalute positions based on new evidence running things than some dimwit who adheres tenaciously to a simple concept, regardless of the facts. We should admire thoughtfulness, not stubbornness.

kherr @ 15:01 CDT | link | politics