LEARNING TO THINK

Thinking can be seen as a Value Chain where a Thinking Factory converts Inputs (observations, experiences, information, articles, videos) by using Mental Operations (thinking procedures) to form conclusions or Outputs (new knowledge, decisions and actions).

Thinking is enabled by a curious, inquiring and investigative mindset. Critical Thinking is a way of asking questions in order to find out the truth of something. It involves the use of various cognitive operations to achieve a specific goal. It can be seen as a holistic thinking method that applies other forms of thinking to solve a problem through questioning, reasoning, logic, concluding from evidence and decision-making.

Critical thinking starts with a problem which then develops into a specific question.

AN EXAMPLE OF STEPS IN CRITICAL THINKING:

1. Gather Evidence

2. Analyse the data

3. Evaluate the Logic inherent in the data structure

4. Consider the Bias and Assumptions by Taking Different Perspectives

5. Evaluating sources

6. Develop an Argument based on reason

7. Form Conclusions based on evidence

8. Take a Decision

Logic involves things making sense in practical terms as we see it happen in everyday life particularly in relation to placing actions (causes) and their resulting consequences (effects) one after the other. We can apply a logical sequence to a problem by developing a storyline of actions and consequences that could unfold. Negative consequences or effects that don’t achieve the goal result in poor logic. Decisions involve weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of an action and conclude by choosing the action with the best outcome.

The tools of the thinker include asking the three questions: WHAT, WHY AND HOW continuously through all of the critical thinking steps. The questions What, Why and How can be applied to identify and define concepts, look for root causes and build a narrative through explaining and generating a logical sequence of events.

Lets look at an example, say you face the problem of where to plant a fig tree on your lawn.

Problem: The tree was previously potted, the pot has cracked and the tree is starting to die

Initial Solution: Lets plant the tree

Main Question: Where can we plant the tree on the lawn to make sure it grows properly and adds value to the home?

Factors to Consider and Simulation of Consequences

If we plant the tree to close to the wall, the roots will uproot the wall (Factors to consider and Simulation of consequences).

If we plant the tree in the middle of the lawn then we cant use the lawn for playing sports like golf or football (simulate consequences). Based on these conflicting views we forego the use of the lawn for sports and put forward a hypothesis that the tree should be planted in the middle of the lawn (hypothesis and sub-decision).

However we dont know how big this tree will grow in future. So we take a photo of the tree and search for the type of tree and more information about how large it grows on Google Lens (collect evidence). This tells us the tree will grow 50 - 90 feet in height and provide lots of shade.

Now another factor arises in making the decision about how the shade provided by the tree will affect the house located about 10 metres away (Factor to consider). The tree could shield the house from midday sun and also provide more privacy to householders using the overlooking balcony (simulate consequences).

Call an Expert

We cannot make a decision so we decide to phone an expert plant physiologist and send him a photo of the tree and where we hope to plant it (gather information). The expert says the tree will grow big and therefore needs to be planted in the centre of the lawn and will be good for placing a bench underneath to enjoy the shade on a hot day.

Final Decision: Plant the tree in the centre of the lawn

In the above scenario, critical thinking, logic and decision-making is used to make the final decision on where the tree should be planted.

In this audiobook chapter Somerai comes across a troop of baboons while walking in the African bush and finds herself surrounded and in a dangerous position as she walks in-between two koppies. She uses her critical thinking, logic and decision-making procedure to get herself out of the situation. To make the implicit explicit, here is a visual representation of how she goes about solving the problem using critical thinking, observation, reasoning, logic and decision-making to get herself to safety: