Answer:
Metaphorical, proverbial, and other forms of symbolic language are common and fundamental aspects of human communication. They allow us to convey complex ideas and emotions concisely and memorably. But unfortunately, they can lead to misunderstandings and misinterpretations, especially in critical thinking. Therefore, critical thinkers are advised to bracket these forms of language, temporarily setting aside or putting aside these vocabulary forms to analyze and evaluate them more objectively.
Metaphors and proverbs, for example, are often used to express abstract concepts or ideas in a more concrete and relatable way. For example, "Time is money" is a common proverb conveying that time is valuable and should not be wasted. However, this kind of language can also be misleading. For example, someone might take the proverb literally and think that time and money are the same things, which is not the case. Critical thinkers need to be aware of this potential for misinterpretation and analyze these forms of language more nuancedly.
Symbolic language can also be misleading because it often relies on cultural assumptions and expectations that may not be universally shared. For example, a red rose may symbolize love in one culture, but in another, it may have a completely different meaning. Critical thinkers need to be aware of these cultural differences and recognize that symbolic language can have different interpretations depending on the context and culture in which it is used.
Another reason why critical thinkers are advised to bracket metaphorical, proverbial, and other forms of symbolic language is that they often rely on implicit assumptions that may not be explicitly stated. For example, when someone says, "The early bird catches the worm," they are implicitly assuming that waking up early is a good thing and that success is directly linked to waking up early. However, this may not always be the case, and critical thinkers need to be aware of these implicit assumptions and evaluate them more objectively.
In conclusion, critical thinking requires objective analysis and evaluation of all forms of language, including metaphorical, proverbial, and symbolic language. By bracketing these forms of speech, critical thinkers can set aside their cultural and personal biases and objectively evaluate the meaning and implications of these forms of language. This helps to prevent misunderstandings and misinterpretations and ensures that critical thinking is based on sound evidence and reasoning.
Step-by-step explanation: