What is the Elements of Reasoning (as a whole)?
Statement
The elements of reasoning as a whole is a system of interrelated elements in our thinking process.
Elaboration
In other words, these elements are always present in any thinking that takes place in our minds. Since the processing of our thoughts is a working system in our mind, you can start to analyze your thinking with any element. Analysis is the breakdown of our thinking or the definition of the elements within a context.
Example
For example, you can start by defining the purpose of your analysis or you can start by defining your point of view and/or the points of view you would like to address.
Illustration/Analogy
The elements of reasoning as a whole is a system of thinking parts like the body is a system of functioning organs.
What are Each of the Individual Elements of Reasoning (plus Context)?
Statement
Each of the individual elements of reasoning is a subsystem of the elements of reasoning system within a context.
Elaboration
In other words, in order to break apart your thinking in a particular context, each element needs to be identified and then assessed for quality. The elements are: purpose, question at issue/problem, assumptions, information, consequences, conclusion, point of view, and concepts within a context.
Example
For example, as an engineering student, I always saw a “problem” that needed to be solved or a “question” that needed to be answered. If I identified the remaining elements of reasoning such as purpose, assumptions, points of view, consequences, I would be closer in understanding the logic of the discipline that the homework “problem” was attempting to teach me. The purpose is never to just simply solve the problem, but to learn how solving that problem affects the rest of the elements.
Illustration/Analogy
An element of reasoning is like the electrical subsystem of a car. The electrical system of a car is an important concept in the whole car system. (yes, concept is also an element in the elements of reasoning)
What is Analyzing, or “Analyzing Around the Circle”?
Statement
Analyzing, or “analyzing around the circle” is the model that breaks down your thinking more accurately.
Elaboration
In other words, these elements are always present in your thinking, although some may not always be consciously identified if you are not identifying each element in a casual conversation. The explicit analysis of the circle allows me to identify what the “assumptions” are behind the “interpretations” I decide to act on.
Example
For example, if I decide to poke fun at someone for wearing mismatched socks, my decision came from a “conclusion” I arrived at. My “conclusion” might have been that wearing uncoordinated socks is absurd, ridiculous, or mockable. My “assumption” might be that others who do not conform to rules of propriety in a society should not be accepted as normal (normal could be a “concept” in my thinking); however, when I decided to explicitly mock the person wearing the mismatched socks, I might have been acting on a conclusion with no idea that I had a purpose behind that comment, and a question at issue, a point of view, evidence that substantiated the “problem”, and implications I might have been aware of. If I had identified all the elements within the context of the kid wearing mismatched socks in the schoolyard, I would have been analyzing my thinking process.
Illustration/Analogy
Analyzing your thinking is like analyzing any other subject matter in school, except you are breaking down your thoughts in order to understand the analysis of your subject matter better.
Why is Clarity the Gateway Intellectual Standard?
Statement
Clarity is the gateway standard or starting point for assessing the elements of reasoning you identified in your thinking within a context.
Elaboration
In other words, clarity or understanding must be reached before assessing your thinking, reading, or writing with the rest of the standards of thinking such as precision, accuracy, relevance, depth, breadth, logicalness, and significance. The clarity standard could be used using four Socratic questions, which are typically referred to as “SEE-I”. The Socratic questions are: Could you provide a statement? Could you elaborate further? Could you give me an example? Could you illustrate what you mean?
Example
For example, the formatting of this article is divided using SEE-I: Statement, Elaboration, Example, and Illustration/Analogy.
Illustration/Analogy
The clarity standard is like the prerequisite class before the more advanced classes are taken on in a school curriculum. Except clarity is the only prerequisite for assessing any logic with any other standard.
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If you’re interested in creativity coaching with me, contact me at [email protected]. For further information, check out my site at www.thebutronmethod.com
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This post was previously published on medium.com.
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From The Good Men Project on Medium
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