2.2 Strategies for Reasoning
Guided Questioning
Using structured prompts based on the components of the thinking puzzle fosters deeper evaluation of reasoning.
1. Purpose
- What am I trying to accomplish?
- What is my reasoning goal?
- Is my purpose clear and reasonable?
2. Problem or Question at Issue
- What problem or question am I addressing?
- Have I stated the issue clearly and precisely?
- Does my question lead to deeper understanding or meaningful inquiry?
3. Assumptions
- What am I taking for granted?
- Are my assumptions justified, or do they need reassessment?
- How do my assumptions shape my conclusions?
4. Point of View
- From what perspective am I reasoning?
- Am I open to considering other viewpoints?
- How does my perspective influence my understanding of the issue?
5. Data, Information, and Evidence
- What facts, data, and evidence support my reasoning?
- Is my information reliable, relevant, and sufficient?
- Do I need to gather more information before forming a conclusion?
6. Concepts and Ideas
- What concepts are shaping my reasoning?
- Are my ideas clearly defined and well-articulated?
- Could different concepts lead to a better understanding of the issue?
7. Inferences and Conclusions
- How did I arrive at this conclusion?
- Is my inference logical and supported by evidence?
- Have I considered alternative interpretations?
8. Implications and Consequences
- What are the potential consequences of my reasoning?
- If I act on this reasoning, what might happen?
- Could my conclusions lead to unintended effects?
With the above 8 elements of thought, completely analyzed and clarified, we can then establish a point of view. This is, in short, what that entails:
Establishing Your Point of View
- What experiences, beliefs, and values shape my perspective?
- How did I arrive at my current point of view?
- Is my perspective influenced by cultural, educational, or personal factors?
- Have I considered alternative perspectives before settling on my own?
- Does my viewpoint align with evidence, logic, or emotional responses?
Once the above has been clarified, we can then validate and justify our point of view.
Validating and Justifying Your Point of View
- What reasoning supports my perspective?
- Do I have reliable evidence or logical arguments backing my stance?
- Can I clearly explain my viewpoint to others?
- Have I tested my perspective against counterarguments and opposing views?
- Does my point of view lead to reasonable conclusions and ethical implications?
This sounds like a lot of work, and well, yes, it is at first, until you master the process.
