The Role of Classical Poetry in the Development of Critical Thinking: Clarity, Accuracy, and Reflection in Rumi’s Masnavi

Abstract

This paper investigates how classical poetry, particularly Jalaluddin Rumi’s Masnavi, contributes to the development of critical thinking skills. It specifically analyzes the story of Moses and the shepherd to demonstrate how poetic narrative can serve as a medium for cultivating essential cognitive abilities such as clarity, accuracy, logical consistency, evidence-based reasoning, creativity, open-mindedness, and reflection. Using qualitative content analysis, the study identifies and categorizes these critical thinking principles within the text and explores their pedagogical implications. The analysis shows that Masnavi encourages readers to move beyond rigid dogmatism, promoting intellectual openness and reflective engagement through allegorical storytelling. The findings affirm that classical poetry is not only a vehicle for spiritual insight but also a valuable tool for fostering critical thinking in educational and ethical contexts.