Augmented and critical thinking - Zero Ash

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make judgments about various aspects of life, information, and situations. Critical thinking emphasizes a more comprehensive evaluation of evidence, context, and potential biases.

      Critical comment. Let’s start with a joke. Why did a rational thinker take a calculator to an art museum? Because he wanted to calculate the true value of abstract expressionism! Rational thinking is a tool that has its own field of application, you do not need to rely entirely on it alone.

      Critical thinking and the scientific method

      While critical thinking and the scientific method are related and often used together, they are distinct concepts.

      Critical thinking is a cognitive process that involves analyzing, evaluating, and making reasoned judgments about information, situations, or problems.

      Critical thinking is a broad skill that can be applied in various contexts, not just in scientific endeavors. It’s used in daily life, decision-making, problem-solving, and evaluating information in nay fields and situations.

      Critical thinking includes skills like reasoning, analysis, interpretation, evaluation, and problem-solving. It encourages questioning assumptions, considering different perspectives, and making well-informed decisions.

      The scientific method is a structured, systematic approach to scientific inquiry that involves making observations, forming hypotheses, conducting experiments, and drawing conclusions based on empirical evidence.

      The scientific method is designed for scientific research and study of the natural world. It is universal and is used to investigate and understand phenomena in physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, etc.

      The scientific method follows a specific sequence of steps, including observation, hypothesis formation, experimentation, data collection, analysis, and drawing conclusions. It emphasizes the use of controlled experiments and empirical evidence to test hypotheses.

      Critical thinking is a more general cognitive skill that applies to a wide range of situations, not limited to the scientific domain. It involves the analysis and evaluation of information and arguments. The scientific method, on the other hand, is a specific process used by scientists to conduct research and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. Critical thinking can certainly be a part of the scientific process, but the scientific method has a more defined and structured approach to inquiry.

      Critical comment. Joke again. Why did a scientist break up with his girlfriend following a scientific method? Because they found that their relationship is not reproducible and has too many uncontrolled variables! Reproducibility of results is the basis of the scientific method. But there are many areas where accurate reproduction is impossible, and not necessary.

      First principles and critical thinking

      First principles thinking and critical thinking are both cognitive processes that involve reasoning, but they differ in their focus and approach.

      First principles thinking is a problem-solving and decision-making approach that involves breaking down complex problems into their most fundamental elements or components. It seeks to understand a subject or situation from the ground up, starting with basic, self-evident truths or axioms.

      This approach is often used in fields like engineering, physics, and entrepreneurship, where it’s essential to innovate and solve problems by reevaluating assumptions. For example, Elon Musk has popularized the use of first principles thinking in his business ventures, such as designing SpaceX rockets and Tesla electric cars.

      First principles thinking involves deconstructing problems into their core components, questioning existing assumptions, and building solutions or insights from the ground up. It is particularly effective for creative problem-solving and innovation.

      The primary difference between first principles thinking and critical thinking lies in their focus and purpose. First principles thinking is a problem-solving approach that aims to innovate by breaking down complex problems to their fundamental elements, while critical thinking is a more general cognitive skill used to evaluate information, arguments, and reasoning. Critical thinking can be applied in various contexts, including assessing the results and conclusions of first principles thinking, to ensure they are logically sound and valid.

      First principles thinking is a powerful framework for innovation that involves breaking down complex problems into their fundamental elements and then reconstructing solutions from scratch, relying on basic principles and fundamental truths rather than existing conventions or assumptions. By questioning traditional approaches and starting from the most basic components of a problem, innovators delve deeper and develop creative, original solutions. This method encourages fresh thinking, enabling people to identify opportunities, solve complex problems, and pioneer new inventions in fields ranging from science and technology to business and design.

      Critical commentary. The first principles are spoken about among techno entrepreneurs who are trying to create new solutions. We can say thinking based on first principles is a framework for innovation. The idea is simple, since we know that all knowledge systems are built on basic blocks of axioms and blocks of knowledge derived from logical conclusions. Then, in order to search for innovations, you can discard all existing old logically obtained blocks and try to build new ones. The most audacious can also revise the axioms. Such a revision of the foundations can lead to the so-called «disruption», that is, a fundamental change. But it’s not easy, the task is not just to come up with something new, but also more effective than the old one.

      Logical and critical thinking

      Logical thinking and critical thinking are related concepts, but they have distinct differences in their focus and application.

      Logical thinking involves the use of formal and informal logic to arrive at valid conclusions or make sound judgments. It is primarily concerned with the structure of arguments and the consistency of reasoning.

      Logical thinking is more focused on the rules and principles of logic, including deductive reasoning (drawing specific conclusions from general premises) and inductive reasoning (making general conclusions from specific observations).

      Logical thinking emphasizes the identification and avoidance of logical fallacies, such as circular reasoning, false dichotomies, and non sequiturs. It aims to ensure that arguments follow a valid and coherent structure.

      Logical thinking is a subset of critical thinking, focusing primarily on the structure of arguments and the application of formal and informal logic to ensure valid conclusions. Critical thinking is a more comprehensive cognitive skill that includes logical thinking but also extends to other skills that help individuals assess, analyze, and make reasoned judgments about various aspects of life and information, including ethical and practical considerations.

      Critical thinking is a multifaceted cognitive skill that involves several components and is closely related to various aspects. When considering critical thinking, it’s important to take into account the following related concepts and factors: problem solving, decision-making, information literacy, analytical skills, inferential reasoning, deductive and inductive reasoning, skepticism, logic and logical fallacies, cognitive biases, emotional intelligence, ethical considerations, metacognition, open-mindedness, communication skills, problem identification, education and training, cross-disciplinary application (so many things!).

      Understanding and developing these related aspects can help individuals become more proficient in critical thinking, which is a valuable skill in a wide range of personal, academic, and professional endeavors.

      Critical comment. A joke about logic. Logician’s wife advised him to go to the store to buy a loaf of bread and if they have eggs, he will have to buy a dozen. The logician went to the store and returned home with 12 loaves of bread.

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