Thinking and Reasoning

1
Thinking and Reasoning

• Page 62 - 67

2
Thinking and Reasoning

• A concept is a category of objects, events or
  ideas that share similar characteristics this
  allows for generalization and distinction. (Eg.
  Car Boat Plane are all separate concepts but
  can be generalized under transportation ). Our
  concepts are shaped by the world and reflects
  what is important to a people.
• The Inuit have many words to describe types
  of snow whereas we only have a few. Western
  culture has many words to identify types of
  automobiles.

3
Types of Reasoning

• Deductive Reasoning using information to form
  conclusions, beginning with general principles
  and apply them to specific situations.
• Eg. Humans need are to live (Premise)
• I am human. (Premise)
• I need air to live. (Conclusion)

4

• Inductive Reasoning using specific information
  to form general conclusions. It does not always
  lead to sound conclusions.
• Eg. I enjoyed director Steven Spielbergs last
  movie. (Premise)
• This movie is directed by Steven Spielberg.
  (Premise)
• I will enjoy this movie. (Conclusion)

5

• Dialectical Reasoning forming a conclusion by
  joining two opposite views to show that
  information is compatible. There is often more
  than one solution.
• Eg. Viewing political debates.

6
Problem Solving

• The ability to deal with new situations for which
  there is not set or established response.
• There are 4 steps involved in problem solving.
• Defining the problem
• Developing a strategy to resolve the problem
• Carrying out the strategy
• Determining if you are using the right strategy
  and if it is working.

7
Strategies

• Trial and Error
• Trying different approaches until you find the
  one that works.
• Hypothesis Testing
• Testing a hypothesis and measuring its success
• Rule of Thumb
• Using a general rule based on past experiences or
  acquired knowledge
• Insight
• Having a new idea or suddenly gaining
  understanding of how something should work often
  proceeded by a period of time of thinking over
  the problem.

8
4 Stages to Decision Making

1. Determine alternatives Begin with as many
   possibilities as you can think of.
2. Evaluate alternatives Ask what information is
   available for each option? How will each help me
   achieve my goal? What are the advantages or
   disadvantage?
3. Make a decision Choose the best option that
   provides the greatest advantage with the least
   costs
4. Act Act on the option you have chosen, knowing
   you have done everything you could to make the
   best decision. Be prepared to deal with any
   problems that may arise and continue on the
   course of action you have chosen and make any
   changes necessary.

9
Questions

• Page 66/67
• Questions 1, 2, 4, 6, 7