The Declaration of Independence at 250, Part II

Humanities and social sciences professors tend to regard "critical thinking" as the highest part of thinking or even equate criticism with thinking itself. The apotheosis of critical thinking spawns a rage to debunk and excommunicate. Social media multiplies the incentives for flamboyant and extravagant denunciation. The more venerable the idea or institution, the more enticing the target and the more vehement the rhetoric.