Wednesday 17 February 2016

Modes of thought

Different minds for different tasks


Explanation:
Using a screwdriver to tighten a screw is wise. Using a blowtorch to do the same is not.

Just as different tasks require different tools, so different problems lend themselves to different modes of thinking. 
  • Critical vs Open
    • Critical thought is when you question yourself. Every step you make, you ask yourself why it was wrong. Every assumption is a potential bias, every connection a space for error
      • + You are less likely to go wrong
      • - You make smaller inferential leaps due to fear of error. Thus, you cannot reach as far.
    • Open though is a flow. You look for answers, you open your mind and travel down the unfolding trees towards what seems to be the truth.
      • - Error is more likely and more serious
      • + Inspiration is more likely. So is seeing links or truths which scapticism would have blinded you to.
  • Focused vs Contemplative
    • Note: This distinction is one I am less certain of.
    • Focused: You devote your thoughts to one question or topic. You use brute force to explore all avenues of thought you can think of.
      • + Easy answers are found quickly
      • - You fail to access wider knowledge or similarities which exist in other fields you have encountered
      • - By focusing on finding a solution, You fail to learn all you can for the problem
    • Contemplative: You think generally about ideas, themes and similarities. You don't look for an answer, but merry consider the problem.
      • inverse of above

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