"Critical Lessons concentrates on the critical, reflective thinking that should be encouraged in high schools. Taking seriously the Socratic advice "know thyself," it focuses on topics that will help students to understand the forces - good and bad - that work to socialize them. This book argues that critical thinking is necessary in both schools and society, and that it requires the discussion of controversial issues: how we learn, the psychology of war, what it means to make a home, advertising and propaganda, choosing an occupation, gender, and religion. Learning how to discuss such issues is vital for life in a liberal democracy."--BOOK JACKET.