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Everyone is familiar with the phrase “I think, therefore I am”, but what does it really mean? Is it possible to call everything that happens in our head thinking? Modern practical philosophy is categorical: thinking is a special process. Fortunately, its basics can be learned.
We are accustomed to call thinking any thought that comes to mind. This is not entirely true. Thinking is a whole process that includes analysis, critical evaluation, search for contradictions and other stages. If this does not happen, then the thought simply came to us on an intuitive level. And if there are too many intuitive thoughts, we begin to rush to conclusions, voice superficial ideas, and react too emotionally and categorically.
To avoid this, we need to start working with the way we think. “How” is more important than “what” in this case. There is no need to additionally download new information into the brain, look for an authoritative opinion on which to rely – we already have everything that is necessary for thinking. It remains to configure the mechanism and run it. Knowledge expands our horizons and allows us to juggle with theories and paradigms, but the main question is whether we know how to use them or whether they remain abstract and general, far from life.
The modern French philosopher Oscar Brenifier, who specializes in the development of children’s thinking, identifies several principles of critical thinking. It is especially useful for adults to master them.
1. Say thoughts out loud or write them down
Putting thoughts into words, we take the first step towards understanding what our head is filled with. The common phrase “I understand, but I can’t express in words” is fundamentally wrong: such situations indicate that our consciousness has not yet turned on, which means that it is not about understanding, but rather about feeling. By writing down our own thoughts, we learn to understand them better.
2. Distinguish between disagreement and misunderstanding
A critical position is not a denial of everything that the interlocutor says. To disagree, you first need to understand the meaning. This principle seems obvious, but when you start thinking about it, you may find that we and our interlocutors are often in too much of a hurry to disagree with someone else’s point of view and express our own vision.
Two questions to ask yourself to avoid this trap: “Do I understand what the other person is saying?” and “Do I agree with his position?”. In many situations, this can help bring clarity and not rush into argumentation and criticism.
3. Everything is questioned
This is the basis of the foundations of thinking: if there is no doubt, if you are convinced of the truth of the message, even if there is no evidence, thinking turns into faith. When we begin to doubt, the movement of thought resumes. Curiosity, interest, the desire to seek answers allow you to stop looking at things with your usual eyes and go beyond the ordinary. “What if it’s not?” – the starting point of an intellectual journey.
4. Nothing is accidental
Everything that we observe, think, say ourselves and hear from others is endowed with meaning, even if we are not aware of it. The search for meaning, the reason for what is happening teaches our consciousness to be tenacious and attentive to trifles and details.
“Is it the first time I’m late? Do I tend to raise my tone? Is success in general important to me or just now?” – all this allows you to stop perceiving life events as random and see the “matrix” as a whole. Finally, another rule that can facilitate not only the process of thinking, but life in general, is patience. Do not rush to draw conclusions, learn to enjoy the opportunity to think.
About the Developer
Oscar Brenifier – Doctor of Philosophy, UNESCO expert, director of the Institute of Practical Philosophy in Paris, author of books. Conducts seminars on thinking in different countries of the world.