The role of philosophy in forming the critical thinking of higher education students in the information society

Abstract

The aim of this article is to examine the role of philosophy in developing critical thinking among higher education students within the context of the modern information society. The study analyzes key features of the 21st-century information environment, characterized by data overload, fragmented and rapid thinking, the proliferation of manipulative communication tools, the spread of misinformation, and the growing influence of information threats on the worldview and behavior of young people. The research methodology employs a comprehensive approach combining historical-philosophical analysis, the comparative method, elements of critical hermeneutics, and pedagogical analytics, enabling a systematic assessment of philosophy’s impact on cognitive and analytical competencies.

An interdisciplinary toolkit is applied, encompassing contemporary educational practices, psychology of thinking, communication theory, and methods for developing reflective skills. The article’s scientific novelty lies in identifying new functions of philosophy in modern education and substantiating its essential role in fostering students’ resilience to information manipulation, promoting logical and reasoned thinking, self-reflection, and intellectual autonomy. The study demonstrates that philosophical education serves not only as a worldview foundation but also as a practical tool for critical analysis, ensuring students’ ability to consciously process information, make independent decisions, and objectively evaluate social, cultural, and political processes.

In conclusion, the article emphasizes that in the digital age, philosophy occupies a key position among disciplines that cultivate critical thinking and should be actively integrated into interdisciplinary educational models. Future research prospects include developing effective methods for teaching philosophy in digital environments, utilizing information and communication technologies, online resources, and interactive educational platforms to enhance the critical competence and analytical independence of contemporary youth.