We all, humans, think. And we tend to assume that we think well and that there is nothing to learn about the matter. Certainly, very little of it is taught at school, probably because it is assumed as irrelevant (being stuffed by useless information is more important!) or because the system prefers to have consumers easy to manipulate. But it was not always like this and does not have to be so. We all can learn to think better, as part of our endeavour in life-long education. It is important to remember, though, that thinking is not all: intuition, feeling, the heart, are as important: one has to use the right instrument at the right time. Also, human faculties are interconnected: emotions and fitness play a role in right thinking; depression and fear can distort it; motivation and faith can enhance it.

Rignt thinking comprises several aspects, which I summarized in class and here are developed a bit more. As I mentioned, I am working on a book about learning and this makes a chapter in itself.

In the academic or work context, in dealing with abstract concepts, with the humanities, sciences, current affairs, etc., we can distinguish four main dimensions. The first three emphasize being rigorous, aiming at truth and precision; the fourth, creativity.

  • Logical thinking: it follows the laws of logic as regards precision in definitions and correct reasoning, both inductive and deductive. These laws are perceived intuitively and developed by contact with logical disciplines, such as geometry. They can also be studied as such.
  • Accurate thinking: it distinguishes true knowledge from inaccurate paradigms; fact form opinions; expert from fanciful opinion.

Both of these first two categories help locate manipulation in media, politics, advertising, etc. Also, to locate and avoid fuzzy thinking in others and oneself.

  • Orderly thinking: it distinguishes between principal and secundary ideas and facts. It distinguishes structure in reading and listening and generates it in speaking and writing
  • Creative thinking: it helps finding new ideas and solutions. Connected to imagination, it complements and is balanced by the former three categories. Creativity is also linked to synthesis, to seeing the whole and the interconnection between disciplines and questions.

In addition to this, practical life demands working at other skills:

  • Flexible thinking: it is connected to creative thinking. It helps finding solutions and new perspectives to practical problems in life, to think ‘outside the box’, to adapt to new situations and see useful aspects in new ideas and opinions.
  • Strategic, tactical thinking: It is linked to orderly thinking. It plans and implements steps in action. It perceives the long-term prospect ans puts present problems and situations in that context. It sees opportunities in crisis. It is related to reflection, to careful consideration.
  • Positive thinking: it sees the good and positive in situations. It is based on the fact that, to some extent, our thinking ‘creates’ reality. If we are positive and focus on the positive, our life will be more so and we will have a better foundation to move forward in every context.

Here you have some training in the first two kinds of thinking: a critical exercise. This is C2 stuff (or more!), so don’t trouble yourself to read it if you don’t want. But maybe some would like to have a go. When we have C2, we will re-take this subject…