01/25/2026 @ Waterton Canyon, CO

12437-12489 Waterton Canyon

 Littleton, Colorado 80127

8:00-9:30 AM MST

Topic:

Can You Truly Think for Yourself?

W.E.B. Du Bois argued that people often come to understand themselves partly through the judgments, expectations, and perspectives of others. If identities are shaped by close connections, such as family, friends, schools, and culture, how independent are our thoughts really? What would it even mean to think for yourself?

Sources (Read Before):

1. W.E.B. Du Bois, "Of Our Spiritual Strivings" (The Souls of Black Folk)

   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/408/408-h/408-h.htm. Du Bois suggests that part of self-awareness comes from seeing ourselves through the eyes of others. Nearly every belief we hold originated somewhere outside ourselves—parents, teachers, friends, books, religion, culture, or the internet.

2. Double Consciousness (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)

   https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/double-consciousness/: People often value independence of thought, but complete independence may be impossible. Social media algorithms increasingly shape what information we encounter before we even choose what to think about.

3. The Filter Bubble (TED Talk by Eli Pariser)

   https://www.ted.com/talks/eli_pariser_beware_online_filter_bubbles: The desire to be unique can itself become a form of conformity. Some philosophers argue that genuine thinking is not freedom from influence, but the ability to critically examine influences.

Make some mental notes on interesting points. The point is not to quiz on the fine minute details (dates, names, etc)--you can read all, some, or none. Zero pressure to read all, especially if you do not have time. These sources are merely meant to be convenient ways to help inform your opinion and fortify/build it up, not lectures. You can (and are encouraged to) read other sources as well to further gather information and work into your worldviews.

Discussion Questions:

1. What does it actually mean to "think for yourself"?

2. Are some influences on our beliefs more legitimate than others?

3. If complete independence is impossible, what should we aim for instead?

We look forward to seeing you! Make sure to hydrate and enjoy the canyon! No breakfast this week; schedule conflict.