Critical & Logical Thinking

Key Competencies

#1 - Logical Reasoning

Logic is the use of formal way of reasoning.

The two main approaches of logical reasoning are deductive reasoning and inductive reasoning.

Abductive reasoning can also be used to find the best possible reason when the former approaches are not practical.

When one use logical reasoning, his conclusions or predictions are highly reliable.

#2 - Root Cause Analysis

Root cause analysis emphasis on looking for the root cause rather than immediate causes.

We need to keep asking ‘why’ over and over until we identify the root cause.

In complex problem solving like fixing economic problems of a country, treating a patient, fixing a mechanical failure, etc. root cause analysis is critical.

#3 - Abstraction

Abstract thinking (as oppose to concrete thinking) is the ability to think about objects, principles, and ideas that are not physically present. It is related to symbolic thinking, which uses the substitution of a symbol for an object or idea.

Abstract thinking often uses symbols, models and analogies.

Abstraction help generalize ideas or think of a specific aspect of idea.

Examples of abstract concepts include numbers and infinity in mathematics, notes in music, other general concepts like culture, ethics, love, etc.

#4 - Scientific Method

It involves careful observation and applying rigorous skepticism about what is observed. We make a hypothesis and refine it based on the experimental findings. Scientific method is logical, open and realistic approach.

The key steps involve;
1. Make an observation & ask a question.
2. Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.
3. Test the hypothesis by conducting an experiment.
4. Analyze the results using statistics & formal logic.
5. Draw a conclusion.
6. Present the findings and peer review.

Attributes of Intelligence

What Influence Intelligence?

• Partially inheritance from parents
• Experience & influence in early childhood
• Cultural influence
• Education background
• Mental activities
• Physical activities

Result of Intelligence

• Smart
• Confident
• Reliable in predicting & planning
• More productive
• Problem solving
• Challenge fallacies

Common Fallacies (Errors) in Reasoning

Egocentric view

One considers himself well learned and therefore think that his view is always the correct.

Opportunistic view

View that gives highest benefits or gains to oneself is considered truth.

Ignorance view

Having a false view simply due to lack of logical thinking.

Favoritism

One embrace one opinion over the other simply because it comes from a party that the person favour.

Slavery view

One takes a view because he is helpless and depends on the party that holds it.

Brainwashed view

One believes a view simply because he is brainwashed (by repeating or forcible manners) to think so.

Appeal to force

One uses force or the threat of force to gain acceptance to his or her conclusion.

Argument from authority

The opinion of an authority on a topic is used as evidence to support an argument

The Appeal to the People (Argumentum ad populum / Bandwagon)

Bandwagon fallacy is based on the assumption that the opinion of the majority is always correct. In other words, if most people do or believe something, it cannot be invalid.

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"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."