Elucidation

Critical thinking, contrary to common opinion, is not about questioning. Rather, it is about pursuing clarity. As pointed out elsewhere, 'seeing something clearly' is one of the most common metaphors for understanding.

In this context, questioning with intent to elucidate is merely one of the tools in the armamentarium by which we are illuminated. We must learn to ask the right questions with the intent firmly in mind; a question whose answer will not enlighten further is not as useful as one whose answer will.

My choice of words here is quite deliberate. 'Elucidate', 'illuminate' and 'enlighten' all mean roughly the same thing — they have to do with the quality of making things brighter. 'Elucidate' comes from Latin lux, and 'lucid' means 'clear and bright', or perhaps, 'clearer because/therefore brighter'. 'Illuminate' comes from Latin luminis, the quality of radiance; 'enlighten' is mostly used metaphorically these days, and equivalent to 'illuminate'.

The problem of living in a darkened world dates back to the metaphor of Plato's cave. However, because the post-Enlightenment world has made us more aware of darkness, most people now seek more to enlighten themselves than the rest of the world. It seems, somehow, easier to be responsible for yourself than for other people.

And so, nowadays, criticism has negative connotations. We sometimes do not critique to enlighten, but to cast a shadow over others, or to muddy the waters. It is all a very sad state of affairs. But we are called upon to be a light which cannot be hidden, not a shadow that cannot be dispelled.