Why do students from liberal arts just repeat the same given "mantras" without any critical thought?

The phenomenon of students from liberal arts programs repeating "mantras" without critical thought can be attributed to several factors:

1. Lack of Critical Engagement: Sometimes, students may not fully engage with the material or may not be encouraged to question established ideas. This can lead to a superficial understanding and repetition of concepts without deeper analysis4.

2. Influence of Social and Cultural Norms: Students may be influenced by prevailing social and cultural norms that discourage questioning or challenging certain ideas, especially if those ideas are seen as central to a particular worldview or identity2.

3. Educational Approach: The way material is taught can also play a role. If the focus is more on memorization or acceptance rather than critical inquiry, students may not develop the skills needed to evaluate and challenge ideas4.

4. Pressure to Conform: There can be pressure within academic or social environments to conform to certain viewpoints, which might discourage students from engaging in critical thinking or expressing dissenting opinions2.

5. Misconceptions about Critical Thinking: Critical thinking is often misunderstood as merely applying established frameworks rather than questioning them. This can lead to a lack of genuine critical engagement with ideas3.

To foster genuine critical thinking, educators should encourage students to question assumptions, engage with diverse perspectives, and develop skills that allow them to analyze and evaluate information critically35.