Critical thinking: definition, development, and application

¶ … people and one of the most influential is the cult influence techniques which can sometime lead to extreme results when they are used by extremist results. The levels of compliance can be fatal, and we can stop it only with the power of our own minds. There are four main methods of defense that we have against this technique when it is practiced by persons with interest. The first requirement for defense is determination of the warning signs of cult influence, confirming to ourselves that the concerned organization is a cult, finding out the methods protecting ourselves when we know that it is a cult and finally, understanding the methods of getting out of its clutches. The bias of self serving cults have been seen many times and it can be easily recognized in many ordinary citizens.

One of the common beliefs of Americans is that they are smarter and better looking than people from other countries; most drivers believe that they have a higher degree of skill than other drivers; the people of Los Angeles who are compelled to breathe smog every day believe that they are healthier than others; and many college students believe that they will outlive their predicted death schedules. This is the manifestation of this bias which ultimately serves our own psychology is manifest also in other ways. At the same time since the bias of influence can be easily seen, many persons end up believing that they would not be influenced by any cult and that is a dangerous belief. The regular believers in a cult are not idiots, but ordinary human beings, and it would be wrong for any person to believe that he would not be susceptible to a cult. The people who join cults are normal human beings and many of them believe that they would not be influenced by any cult! They also believe that they can shrug off the influences of any cult. (the Cult Influence Tactics)

Thus it is important for all individuals to understand that they are vulnerable and that includes our friends, families and us. When we want to find out whether any individual is under the influence of a cult, there are some simple methods to find out. All the different symbols cannot be seen in all the cases, but definitely some of them will be seen. The first of these is a personality variations and this means that the identity of the individual will be replaced by an inferior identity. The second sign is a rapid change of beliefs and values and these normally do not change very fast, but a cult will change them. Third point is a variation in diet or sleep patterns and this is often restricted by the members of the cult so that their influence can be clearly seen.

Fourth point is their refusal to attend significant family events and this is again to show the strength of the cult. Fifth point is the need to continuously refer to a cult leader or guru and this is a loss of personal decision making capabilities. Sixth point is the constant reference to a new ideology for explaining all actions taken by them, even if the ideology is not related. The seventh point is an attempt to divide the world into good and bad and give up all the grays that lie in between. They also change their vocabulary to use words that they were not using earlier, though of course it may be happening from the effects of education and new friends. The final point is that others have to do whatever they are doing as all cults try to expand their numbers at the earliest opportunity. (the Cult Influence Tactics)

Another method of influence that comes on us is through frames and they are used for both good of the people or evil. The frames are manipulative to put individuals in a situation where they would find it very difficult to get out of. The frames are formed in a manner where they can not be determined easily as ordinary persons are too busy to realize that they are facing an issue which has been framed. The method of avoiding this is to remember that one has to make all decisions for oneself with full responsibility. One of the areas when this is used in convincing people to purchase some not needed items. To avoid this people have to ask themselves whether they need the item, or whether they have greater needs for their money. One has also to find out if the seller would be making a benefit from the purchase, and this is to be found out. When this matter is being hidden one can be certain that one is being framed. The method of defending oneself is to suggest alternate strategies to the individual and see the reaction. (Frame Defense)