Language and Logical Thinking
We all have the ability to think logically. The Logical Thinking Process provides us with the tools to do this in a structured way and thus helps us better deal with the complex world we live in.
"Language is the root of all misunderstandings."
(Antoine de Saint-Exupéry)
“We have minds that are equipped for certainty, linearity and short-term decisions, that must instead make long-term decisions in a non-linear, probabilistic world.”
(Paul Gibbons)
Language is the tool we use for communication. But words and sentences can have vague and ambiguous meaning and different individuals most often understand what is expressed in different ways. Therefore, lack of clarity and precision often leads to misunderstandings that again lead to conflicts, and imprecise use of language can often limit our ability to express our thoughts accurately. Using a framework based on sound deductive logic can greatly help to clarify our communication.
In the workplace and in private life we often experience problems that, in the end are not actually problems, but only symptoms of underlying issues. However, we all have a very strong tendency to jump straight from a superficial and inadequate analysis into actions that only aim at tackling consequences instead of causes. The result is that the improvement we seek often comes to nothing.
It also often happens that the problems we face have a few common roots, which we fail to notice. They can even all have the same cause, but because we are unable to properly analyze the causality we fail to find real and lasting solutions. And often the root lies in a conflict that we can actually solve, as long as we are able to identify it.
The Logical Thinking Process is a framework we can use to clarify our thoughts and make our communication more effective. This may be in the corporate environment where ambiguity often stalls progress. It has also been used with children in the classroom to solve conflicts and help them better realize their own goals and how to achieve them.
Just think of the advantage we would give our children if we trained them to logically formulate their thoughts and think through their decisions to the end.
And what about the ambiguities, complexity and misinformation we experience in the adult world? The prejudice and hatred, the sloppy decision making that leads us into misfortune? The conflicts we run into just because we don’t think clearly?
We all have the ability to think logically. The Logical Thinking Process provides us with the tools to do this in a structured way and thus helps us better deal with the complex world we live in.
And we are all able to ask the questions that underpin the Logical Thinking Process:
“Why do I have this?”
“Why should I do this?”
And last but not least:
“What do you really mean?”
So why not start there?
From my book, From Symptoms to Causes - Applying the Logical Thinking Process to an Everyday Problem
Information on training options can be found here.
Logical thinking: The epidemic is growing exponentially!!!! Dubious because that means that eventually you run out people. Checks famous Kermack-McKendrick model, finds that it doesn't grow exponentially. Unfortunately goes on to argue with lots of numpties who are convinced otherwise.