The art of criticism. Constructive criticism

Criticism

Along with the techniques of substantiating the thesis, the art of argumentation also involves the mastery of rational techniques. critics .

Criticism - it is a logical operation aimed at the destruction of the previously held process of argumentation .

According to the form of expression, criticism is implicit And explicit .

Implicit criticism- this is a skeptical assessment of the position of the proponent without a specific analysis of the shortcomings and an accurate indication of weak spots. Doubt in this case is expressed approximately in the following form: “Your ideas seem doubtful to me”, “I am very skeptical about your statements”, etc. The request for clarification and concretization of such criticism is usually left unanswered.

Explicit criticism- an indication of the specific shortcomings identified in the argumentation of the proponent.

There are three types of direct criticism: destructive, constructive and mixed .

We will call destructive criticism aimed at destroying the argumentative process by criticizing the thesis, arguments or demonstration.

(1) Criticism of the thesis - a very effective operation in terms of destructive power, the purpose of which is to show the inconsistency of the thesis. Such criticism is called refutation of the thesis . The thesis is regarded as deliberately false , if proponent knew about it beforehand , but nevertheless defended it, creating the appearance of argumentation. Erroneous thesis will be if the proponent was mistaken about the actual logical status of its assertion.

Consider direct refutation of the thesis , which is constructed in the form of a reasoning called « reduction to absurdity». The argument in this case proceeds as follows. First, an apagogic step is taken, i.e. conditionally admit the truth of the position put forward by the proponent and deduce the consequences logically arising from it. At the same time, they argue something like this: let's say that the proponent is right and his thesis is true, but in this case such and such consequences follow from it.

If, when comparing the consequences with the facts, it turns out that they contradict the objective data, then they are thereby recognized as untenable. On this basis, they conclude that the thesis itself is untenable, arguing according to the principle: false conclusions always testify to the falsity of their foundation .

Refutation by the method of "reduction to absurdity" can be represented in the diagram, where the following notation: T- the thesis of the proponent; FROM- consequences arising from the thesis; F- factual data:

As a result, "reduction to the absurd" means the following: since what is deduced from T consequence FROM is in conflict with the fact F, thus it is recognized as false - |S. On this basis, the conditionally admitted thesis is also refuted - |T.

In the process of argumentation, direct refutation performs destructive , or destructive , function. FROM with its help, they demonstrate the failure of the proponent's thesis without putting forward any idea in return. Despite its purely critical function, refutation by "reduction to absurdity" is often useful. In science, it serves as a means of testing the reliability of various kinds of hypotheses and theories. In the course of the trial, it can be used to show the inconsistency of the thesis put forward by the accuser.

(2). Criticism of the Arguments . Since argumentation is the substantiation of a thesis with the help of previously established provisions, arguments should be used, the truth of which is beyond doubt. If the opponent manages to show the doubtfulness or falsity of the arguments, then the position of the proponent is significantly weakened, because such criticism shows groundlessness of his thesis .

Criticism of the arguments can be expressed in the fact that the opponent points to an inaccurate presentation of facts, the ambiguity of the procedure for generalizing statistical data, expresses doubts about the authority of the expert whose conclusion the proponent refers to, etc. The proponent cannot but reckon with such critical remarks. He must either confirm his arguments or reject them.

Doubts about the correctness of the arguments are transferred to the thesis, which logically follows from the arguments and is also regarded as doubtful. If the arguments are found to be false, the thesis is unconditionally considered unfounded and needs a new, independent confirmation. .

(3) Criticism of the demonstration - the third way of destructive criticism. In this case, it is shown that in the arguments of the proponent there is no logical connection between the arguments and the thesis. If the thesis does not follow from the arguments, then it is considered unfounded. . The starting and ending points of the reasoning are out of logical connection with each other.

To create the appearance of a logical connection between arguments and the thesis, sophisticated polemicists, in order to influence listeners in public discussion, sometimes resort to linguistic tricks like the following: “With all certainty, we can say that in this situation only one conclusion can be drawn ...”, “Facts convincingly confirm the idea that ... ”, etc.

Successful critique of a demonstration presupposes a clear understanding of the rules and errors of the corresponding conclusions: deduction, induction, analogy, in the form of which the justification of the thesis proceeds.

Both the criticism of the arguments and the criticism of the demonstration in themselves only destroy the argument and show the groundlessness of the thesis. In this case, the thesis can be said to be does not rely on arguments or relies on poor-quality arguments and requires new justification .

These methods of criticism are used not only as independent operations, but also in various combinations. So, a direct refutation of the thesis can be supplemented by a critical analysis of the arguments; along with errors in arguments, violations in the very process of reasoning can be revealed, etc.

In its own way cognitive function destructive criticism serves as an effective means of identifying flaws in the arguments of the proponents. In one case, this is a false or erroneous thesis, in another, unconvincing or incorrectly chosen arguments, in the third, a sloppy or deliberately confusing demonstration.

At the same time, one can hear accusations of one-sidedness against destructive criticism, which does not carry a clear positive beginning, since the opponent only develops criticism and does not offer anything in return.

Such reproaches are appropriate for opponents who limit themselves to destructive criticism in the field of politics, business, ideology or culture. A unilaterally critical position can here turn into criticism.

However, there are also argumentative processes where the destructive position is the only one possible way critics . An example of this is criminal proceedings, which are built on an adversarial basis with the separation of the functions of prosecution and defense. In the process of judicial debate, the defender can only destructively criticize the position of the prosecution. The attitude towards discovering positive ideas that explain the essence of the case is not the responsibility of a defense lawyer and is not practiced in legal proceedings.

Similar is the position of the opponent when discussing a dissertation for the competition degree or when defending a graduation project. The opponent can arbitrarily critically analyze the provisions put forward in the dissertation or diploma, but he is not obliged to offer a positive solution to the issue.

The regular use of destructive criticism in politics, ideology and other areas is a clear indicator that the opposing side is embarking on the path of destructive opposition.

Any criticism is intended to point out a flaw and correct it with a joint effort with the person who made a mistake in something. Unfortunately, today the concept of so-called constructive criticism is completely absent. If we take into account modern society, then constructive criticism turned into a primitive "trolling".

This is criticism, after which it becomes clear how to fix the mistake and prevent a similar one in the future. But how often do we have to deal with the sober opinion of others about our activities? You can count on your fingers how many times we have been criticized in the case and be surprised that in most cases it was unconstructive criticism that discouraged us from working and improving. In order to learn to accept any criticism, it is necessary, first of all, to correctly determine the boundaries of reasonable interference in other people's affairs and the space of the soul.

Exist certain rules constructive criticism, which must always be taken into account when finding yourself in a certain situation that requires criticism.

To begin with, it is worth finding out how to respond to criticism. Accepting criticism calmly and balanced is a great art. Remember that having criticism is much better than not having it. If you are not criticized, then no one is interested in you. Although, there are times when they are simply afraid to criticize you, after you took a vacation from another not very desirable conversation addressed to you and left to treat depression. This is not possible, because criticism can not only point you to mistakes and correct them, but also suggest new directions for solving the problem. If you are criticized, it means that they believe in your abilities and want you to improve. Thank the person for any criticism.. Firstly, it will characterize you as a well-mannered and prudent person. Secondly, you will have the opportunity to calmly find out whether the person has approached your problem constructively and whether he is 100% sure that he is right. If not, you should not say: "I knew it, it's just your subjective assessment." Sometimes a subjective assessment, although not perfect, is able to point out such disadvantages that even people who evaluate objectively would not notice. If you accept criticism, then you accept the responsibility to correct your shortcomings. Take it seriously and look at yourself from the outside.

While you look at yourself from the outside, imagine how you would look in a situation that requires you to criticize. And you have to be very patient and calm. Focus on the behavior of the person criticizing you, and think about what he makes a mistake and what you would not be mistaken about. It's time to remember some rules of constructive criticism.

Never impose your opinion. Know how to listen to the interlocutor and do not interrupt him with your, in your opinion, 100% correct evidence of being right.

Always talk in a friendly tone. Even if the interlocutor is unpleasant to you, you have no right to be biased towards him and sting at the first convenient opportunity.

If you have to criticize a person, start with praise. This always inspires hope that everything is not so bad and everything can be fixed, but you should definitely say: “Today, alas, it didn’t work out.” The person being criticized should receive an equal amount of both praise and unpleasant criticism. This is similar to overlaying a 3 with a 5 to get a 4 out of the quarter.

If you criticize the case - never get personal and do not dare in a mocking way to evaluate the actions of a person and his excuses. Criticism is not a reason to humiliate a person and make his self-esteem below zero. If you a wise man- you will make sure that your opponent will not only correct the mistake you pointed out, but will also begin to do his job with great zeal, showing amazing results.

Use phrases that can motivate person to self-confidence. Don't be afraid to say something like, "I've had exactly the same problems before. But over time you will get used to it and everything will be stable and good. In the meantime, you need to carefully work on yourself.” Do not say to a person: “How is it? After all, I was counting on you!” It completely kills faith in yourself. Be delicate, do not allow yourself any rudeness, but do not be silent if the work done does not suit you.

Constructive criticism is a manifestation of human wisdom who wants to fulfill or receive the maximum efficient work. If you, for example, are an employer, the mood of your employees and the success of your enterprise depend on the constructiveness of your criticism. If you are involved in another field of ideas and their implementation, remember that constructive criticism increases not only performance, but also self-esteem, so that in the future certain work is performed as efficiently as possible by a strong and self-confident person.

CRITICISM- a project to create a better future, and not a condemnation of the present and past, depriving people of power over their present and future.

Constructive criticism- this is a specific proposal for improving what is already there with a clear description of the shortcomings of the criticized subject and their possible corrections. In constructive criticism, the assessment of noticed actions does not hurt the addressee's pride, it motivates him to correct it.

Destructive criticism are destructive actions. The essence of destructive criticism lies in the demonstration by the critic of his superiority, perhaps his power over the one to whom his criticism is directed.

Criticism manifests itself in different ways depending on different circumstances. Let's consider how criticism manifests itself on the example of a good, in general, worker Ivanov, who suddenly made a mistake in his report that led to an incorrect result. So, the boss's criticism of him may be as follows:

constructive in form and content. —There is a mistake in your report, you will have to redo everything.

Constructive in content, but destructive in form. Ivanov, you are an inattentive loafer.—made a mistake in their report. Redo everything!

Constructive in form, but destructive in content. Ivanov, please be more careful.—are often wrong. Everything will have to be redone.

Destructive both in form and content. Ivanov, you are a slacker—constantly making mistakes. Redo everything!

This example shows that there can be both benefit and harm from criticism, so it is very important to take these facts into account. It is possible to criticize justifiably, but it is important how it is done, whether the feelings of another person are offended or vice versa, they are given support and knowledge on how to become better.

The conclusion suggests itself: listening to constructive criticism in time, taking action and getting rid of the identified shortcomings will help to avoid unpleasant and unproductive destructive criticism in the future!

Quotes about criticism:

Swearing at the OPPONENT, a dispute over his PERSONAL qualities is rubbish in science; grains of OBJECTIVE truth are lost in it.
“Depressurization” ch.5, §8 “Trotskyism-“Leninism” takes “power””, p.76

On the perception of destructive criticism:
In almost every opinion, whether subjective in content, averting personal offense, or cynically offensive in form, there is something meaningful from objective truth; it is possible that this is a new KNOWLEDGE or the keys to it. They should not be lost just because the form of their presentation does not suit the opponent with whom the dispute is being fought for SUBJECTIVE reasons.
“Depressurization” ch.5, §8 “Trotskyism-“Leninism” takes “power””, p.81

... let us turn to the question of criticism that is really useful and criticism that is imaginary - always destructive.
Let's start with a well-known opinion: "The 'bazaar' needs to be filtered." If you do this, then you get criticism and self-criticism in the following sense: criticism is a project for creating the future. If the “bazaar” is not filtered, but called “criticism”, then permissiveness in swearing, fabrications, conjectures and gossip will spread discord and will not allow people to unite in any business that requires collective labor.

An. note “On the tasks for the future of the Conceptual Party “Unification” and non-party adherents of the Concept of Public Security”

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Is criticism constructive?“Can I criticize you constructively?” These are the six scariest words you can ever hear in your life. Partly because each of us has a different idea of ​​constructiveness, and partly because no matter how benevolent criticism is, very few people are able to deliver it well.

And also because some people use it as a convenient excuse to, pretending to be cute, lower your status by a notch or two.

For one reason or another, criticism usually looks much more constructive from the point of view of the critic than from the point of view of the criticized.

So is the expression " constructive criticism» self-contradictory?

I'll put my cards on the table: I believe that criticism can be constructive. In fact, it is necessary if you want to become outstanding. However, since criticism means many different things, I will start by explaining what I understand by its different types:

Constructive criticism

This is when someone has a certain opinion about your work or results, and he expresses it in a way that is beneficial. Criticism can take the form useful advice(you are told what to do) or just a thoughtful assessment (what to do next, in this case, you decide).

Constructive criticism can be both positive and negative (the critic may or may not like your work), and contain both praise and recommendations for improvement.

Here some constructive criticism:

• Objectivity The critic clarifies his point of view without claiming to be omniscient.
• concreteness- detailed enough to understand what exactly the critic is talking about and what evaluation criteria he uses.
• Availability of examples The critic backs up his statements with concrete examples.
• Relevant to the case- The critic focuses on the essential aspects of your work.
• Takes into account the nuances- the critic recognizes that the result can be measured in smaller units and may exist alternative ways estimates.
• Respect- The critic does not get personal, does not hint that you are a bad performer, and implies that you are able to make the necessary improvements.

Inspiring constructive criticism or not - you decide. Of course, if someone praises you, you will most likely feel energized. But even if the critic exposes many mistakes and shortcomings, I would advise you not to lose heart, even if you are not in seventh heaven with happiness.

If criticism is truly constructive, it provides an opportunity to correct mistakes and improve. I can think of several occasions when a critic respectfully but mercilessly "teared my work to shreds," but when I left the room, I was itching to move towards the vistas before me.

One of your career goals should be to find good sources constructive criticism. Like Feedback, it gives you an edge, especially over those who are too selfish to take any notice.

Destructive criticism

This is when someone has a certain opinion, but he either does not know how to express it correctly, or does not understand what he is talking about, or both at once.

I call such criticism destructive because of its effect: if you are not careful, it can seriously damage your motivation, creativity, and ability to learn. An equally precise definition would be "incompetent criticism": it speaks more about the faults of the criticizer, rather than the criticized. If criticism is an art, an incompetent critic is an artist who can barely draw a stickman.

Here typical features of destructive criticism:

• Bias- The critic speaks as if he is the bearer of the ultimate truth, and not a person who tends to err.
• Nebula- the work is rejected with vague wordings (“terrible”, “bad”, “no good”), without specifying on what criteria the judgment is based.
• unsubstantiated- the critic does not illustrate his conclusions with specific examples.
• Not relevant- The critic introduces inappropriate criteria or focuses on non-essential aspects of the work.
• sweeping- general black-and-white judgments, non-recognition of the gradation of quality and alternative points of view.
• Contempt- the critic is rude, aggressive or does not show respect for the feelings of the performer.

If an incompetent critic is a reviewer, a critic in the audience, or an Internet troll, he can be ignored. However, if it's a boss or a client, you have a problem. Chapter 37 describes what to do then.

Many people find it difficult to accept criticism. Someone is offended, someone is angry, and someone even has low self-esteem and may abandon what he started, fearing to face criticism again. But it should be borne in mind that criticism is also a positive moment, especially constructive criticism.

Our world is arranged in such a way that there is, was and will always be criticism from others, no matter what you do, because any actions, words, achievements in other people will always cause one or another response, which will result indestructive or constructive criticism or admiration.

Criticism can be directed at the product of creativity, the result of a person’s work, his actions and personality.

As already mentioned, criticism can be constructive and destructive. constructive criticism- this is an analysis of a person’s activity, the product of this activity, his personality, an indication of vulnerabilities in what a person did or weak features of his character, a consequence of his actions. Constructive criticism is objective, is a statement of facts, is not initially expressed in negative aspect and always justifies why a person thinks one way or another. And only if a person does not know how to accept criticism addressed to him and reacts negatively, then he can also receive a negative response from the critic to his inadequate reaction. And then criticism can turn into a conflict provoked by a person who does not know how to accept criticism, and therefore does not know how to be objective to himself and his affairs.

Constructive criticism can help you see yourself from the outside, through the eyes of others, to see real flaws or shortcomings of the product of their activity, other options for solving situations or problems, to see the old and familiar with new side, positions, etc. And thanks to all this, a person can improve his product of creativity or the result of work, clarify points incomprehensible to other people, or change some qualities of his character, change his attitude to something. That is, knowing how to accept criticism, a person improves himself and improves his life. Therefore, constructive criticism is not only necessary, but also useful. Therefore, if friends are afraid to express their objective opinion so as not to offend a person dearly, they harm him, because by showing a friend your position, which is different from his own, you help a person to learn something new, to see something new in himself, to change something or find a solution to a difficult situation for him. But remember that it is important how you express criticism, from this a person will accept or reject it. Positively expressed and justified criticism is perceived by another person more easily, which means there are more chances that he will hear you and take some action. Negatively expressed criticism is perceived as an accusation and causes resentment and (and) anger in a person. And instead of hearing you, he will start defending himself or blaming you.

Destructive criticism subjective, has nothing to do with reality. It is usually expressed in an aggressive manner, since a person is not driven by a desire to understand the interlocutor, his position or to understand the object provided for his review, but the desire to assert himself, to show himself from the best side, to rise, to feel his significance, authority in this area. He always perceives jealously other people who have achieved results in this area or aroused the interest of others, as he is used to being an unshakable authority in his own eyes, and he is hurt if someone has attracted attention to himself more than himself or proposed an idea or product about which he had no idea before, etc., that is, his faith that he knew everything, that he was the best, that only he was right was shaken. And in order to overcome the unpleasant feeling that has arisen for him, he begins to criticize the person who became the reason that his inferiority complexes jumped up in him. Criticizing, he seeks to devalue the personality and the result of this person's activity in order to feel better than him, more important than him, above him. With this type of criticism always go to the individual. That is, as you can see, such a critic is driven by his inferiority complexes, and not by the desire to find the truth or improve something. For the same reason some people criticize more successful people, other people's achievements only because they would like to be in their place themselves.

Expressing destructive criticism, a person seeks not so much to belittle the one to whom the criticism is directed, but to elevate himself in his own eyes. Usually such people do not know how to conduct a constructive dialogue and often turn to personalities and insults, belittling and devaluing their interlocutor or his activities. They do so because this moment felt worse in something - less smart, less successful, less beautiful, less versed in this issue, less realized as a person or specialist, etc., depending on what kind of inferiority complex you have this person the strongest. And, criticizing another person and his actions, he actually talks about himself, attributing all these qualities to another person, and sometimes even his own actions. Or he imagines himself in the place of a person who is more successful, according to his feelings, in some way, although in most cases he is afraid to admit this even to himself, he tells how he would have acted, what he would have done if he had there would be the same opportunities, abilities or achievements, that is, he speaks of his hidden desires, which are often denied, suppressed, and because of this, his inferiority complexes cannot be realized.

Therefore, destructive criticism should not be taken into account; it does not concern you personally and the results of your activities. However, destructive criticism can also be beneficial. And at least with destructive criticism, you learn a lot about the criticism itself. Perhaps some information may be useful to you or allow you to understand it. Thanks to this species criticism, you can develop tolerance, tolerance for other people, their shortcomings, complexes. Try not to take this criticism personally, imagine that you internally, as it were, moved away from it, it has nothing to do with you. Try to understand the person why he began to criticize, what he lacks in life, why he is so unhappy. Mentally sympathize with him.

If you cannot understand whether this criticism is destructive or constructive, then imagine that you are looking at yourself, your actions or the result of your work from the outside, and try to “try on” everything that the critic says. What do you see? This corresponds, did you see something new, did you learn something that you did not know before? Or are these baseless allegations?

It is also worth considering that if you created something, then it is designed for a specific audience, and not everyone will understand it, much less accept it, and accordingly there will be criticism from people who do not belong to the calculated audience in this case, if you want to expand the boundaries of your audience, then review your creation and complicate or simplify accordingly. As in other things, not all your life values, views, and therefore deeds will be accepted by all people, but only by those who share them. And in this case, ask yourself the question, is it then worth accepting the criticism of people who do not understand you and, with all their desire, will not even be able to understand, because they live with completely different values, views, goals? And criticism in this case is caused only by the fact that you are different from them, not like them, you live differently from them. Therefore, under these circumstances, criticism can be both constructive: if you are dissatisfied with the quality of your life, and the critic is seen as happier, then it makes sense to listen and change something in yourself or in your life. So destructive, if you are satisfied with your life, you perceive your life and those around you positively, then this criticism does not concern you, but only speaks of the inability of the critic to understand, accept, learn, develop, about his certain limitations.

Therefore, do not be afraid of criticism, whatever it is, but accept it with gratitude.

The same goes for self-criticism. She can be like constructive, that is, allowing a person to see himself, his actions, the consequences of his actions, the product of his creativity, etc. objectively, from the outside, find mistakes, if there were any, then draw conclusions, correct or improve what is, or vice versa , evaluate your success and consolidate it. With constructive self-criticism, a person does not experience negative emotions for himself, he contacts the fact of an error: for example, he reacted incorrectly to something and his reaction led to certain consequences. His goal is to find the cause of his mistake, understand it, then draw conclusions, learn something new. Forgive yourself for the mistake. And in the future, under similar circumstances, do not repeat this mistake, react differently. That is, constructive self-criticism always leads to self-improvement.

Destructive self-criticism- destructive, a person underestimates himself, devalues ​​himself and his achievements, overestimates the requirements, sets impossible tasks. And no matter what he achieves in life, he will always be dissatisfied with himself. He does not know how to appreciate what he already has. He tends to blame himself, often feels guilty. He is not able to enjoy life, because of this he is unhappy and his life comes in a certain race for the “unattainable” and is accompanied by an internal conflict. Which quite often leads to depression or a loss of meaning in life, a feeling of inner loneliness, etc. Therefore, do not be too demanding of yourself, stay realistic, set yourself only those goals that you can achieve. And, of course, appreciate what you have, thank yourself for your achievements. Criticism is good in moderation and only if it is objective, and does not turn to self-flagellation, self-accusation. It will only destroy you, but will not change you in any way. better side circumstances or yourself.

There is not a single person who has not been criticized, so is it worth taking everything so close to heart? Take offense? angry? Try to direct criticism, whatever it is, for your own good. Look at what is being criticized from the outside, as an outside observer, try to apply the criticism you hear to yourself, but only as a constructive moment, not a destructive one, that is, see how you can improve the result of your work, yourself, by seeing something new in oneself, to find a new solution to the situation that has arisen, to improve one's product of creativity. And then you will not be afraid of criticism, it will not offend or offend you, but will only help, regardless of the form in which it was expressed and what its purpose was. The main thing is that she helped you, made you better, stronger, and did not destroy you. Remember that it is your attitude towards criticism and its use for your own benefit that is important, and not the words that were uttered.

Be patient and appreciate yourself!

Natalia Defoy

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