Learn the art of critical reasoning
Critical Reasoning is a basic competency that can change your entire life. The ability to think critically is to think for your-self. For example, problem-solving skills, argumentation skills, decision-making strategies for effective communication. To think critically is to make informed decisions. When we apply the skills of critical reasoning to our everyday decision making we are more able to effectively deal with situations at home, work, family, friends and interaction with your community and your engagement with other fields of study, such as Psychology. As you think so shall you be – remember that! To learn the art of critical reasoning is nothing short of learning how to go above your problems and solve them with a far more complex, creative and enlightened mind. Most of our problems and our suffering is self created. We make foolish decisions we regret. We choose the wrong options. We can’t see the clouds for the sky. We seldom see a bigger picture. But if we learn the art of critical reasoning well enough we can develop the power to think like our own corporate think tank. Learn how to apply these skills to heal addictions, depression and anxiety that may have been holding you back for years. A new level of consciousness is more than capable of creating miracles.
So where to start to learn the art of critical reasoning. First, it is important to critically examine the way in which we judge, evaluate and act, because the decisions we make may have an important influence not only on defining, experiencing and presenting ourselves, but also on the way we perceive and influence other people, shape the world and touch the lives of others.
Being able to apply knowledge wisely requires a philosophical attitude characterized by thing for ourselves and constantly being in a state of critical self-reflection. The art of Critical reasoning therefore goes beyond acquiring knowledge and reasoning skills. The ultimate goal of critical reasoning is to know (discern) how to apply knowledge and skills wisely.
Buddha believed the path to wisdom and truth to be : “insight into the causes of error results in the enlightenment of the self”. Confucius taught that the root of wisdom lies in the sincerity of thought, which is attained through a critical investigation of things. These are only but two examples of the long history of world philosophy where philosophers applied critical reasoning in their search for wisdom and justice. The path from error to truth, that is, the path out of the fog, is the pathway enabling you to learn the art of critical reasoning.
Mastering the art of Critical reasoning;
What is the use of philosophy, if all it does is enable you to talk… about some abstruse questions of logic, etc., and if it does not improve your thinking about the important questions of everyday life? (Ludwig Wittgenstein)
- Thinking for your-self. Reasoning of thinking for yourself is different from daydreaming, mere reflex actions, and mechanical activities such as brushing your teeth or replacing a light bulb. It is rooted in mindfulness. Running on automatic is in essence addiction. Real thinking or reasoning is a higher order mental activity that involves judgement and coherence. It takes time. You need to think once, and then think again. Reasoning is purposeful thinking; it is thus goal-directed.
- Critical reasoning; however is more than just purposeful thinking. To think critically means to think for ourselves. To think for ourselves involves a critical attitude of reflecting upon how we think in various aspects of our lives. To think critically is to question the world and thus to engage critically with the possibilities and alternatives that world offers. When we follow the instructions of other thoughtlessly, accept the authority of others without question, or take things for granted, we are not thinking critically.
- Informed reasoning; People who reason critically do not take things for granted; rather, they think for themselves and ask critical questions about the beliefs and opinions of others. They also question their own thinking, which can in itself change your life for the better.
- When people learn to think for themselves they challenge repressive systems, oppressive governments, preconceived ideas and societal beliefs as well as political amenities such as labeling, gender discrimination, racism, sexism, fascism, segregation, and fundamentalism. Questioning ideas, arguments and other claims of authority critically is not enough. Critical reasoning also involves offering well-informed and reasoned alternatives. We need to loose the need to be right. We mustn’t close ourselves off from other ideas. What we must learn to do is think things over and through. Your very, very best thinking got you to where you are today. That is a scientific fact. Take ownership of this and rewrite the program if you don’t like what you have created.
For more information on how to learn the art of critical reasoning contact us. Do one of our many programs online or come spend time at our private healing centre to heal all addictions, depression and anxiety. Don’t ever think you must stay stuck.
