2.3 Applying Reasoning in Real Life
Let’s get down to work, then, and engage in a few exercises on how to embrace the complexities of real-life reasoning.
1. Establishing Your Point of View in Real Life
- Debates and Discussions: When engaging in political, ethical, or social debates, understanding your viewpoint ensures you contribute meaningful arguments rather than reacting emotionally.
- Personal and Professional Decisions: Whether choosing a career path, making a financial decision, or resolving conflicts, recognizing what shapes your perspective allows you to make choices aligned with your values.
- Media and Information Analysis: In an era of misinformation, asking what factors influence your viewpoint helps you critically assess sources and avoid biased or unreliable narratives.
2. Elements to consider when validating and justifying your point of View in Real Life
- Workplace Problem-Solving: Presenting ideas to colleagues or superiors requires logical reasoning and evidence-based validation to gain trust and approval.
- Academic Research and Essays: Structuring arguments based on reliable data and sound logic ensures credibility in academic and intellectual discussions.
- Social Advocacy and Persuasion: Whether advocating for a social cause or negotiating policies, justifying your perspective with solid reasoning makes your argument more persuasive and impactful.
An Application Example: Negotiating a Workplace Policy
Imagine an employee proposing a flexible work schedule.
- Establishing their Point of View: Why do I believe flexibility benefits employees and productivity?
- Validating their Point of View: Do studies support this idea? Can I provide examples of successful flexible work models?
- Justifying their Conclusion: What potential challenges and solutions exist? How will my proposal benefit both employees and the company?
These questions serve as intellectual tools that enhance reasoning in everyday life, ensuring well-informed, fair, and strategic thinking.
Tips to Remember for Sound Reasoning
A. Cultivate Curiosity
- Approach topics with genuine interest and a willingness to explore.
- Challenge yourself to ask why, how, and what-if questions regularly.
- Read widely and expose yourself to different perspectives to fuel deeper inquiries.
B. Practice Active Listening
- Pay close attention when engaging in conversations or discussions.
- Reflect on what was said and formulate questions that probe deeper.
- Avoid rushing to conclusions; instead, clarify points by asking follow-up questions.
C. Use Open-Ended Questions
- Shift from yes/no questions to open-ended ones that invite explanation (e.g., “What are the underlying causes of this issue?” Instead of “Is this a problem?”).
- Encourage responses that require reasoning, analysis, or reflection.
- Avoid leading questions that subtly suggest an answer.
D. Identify Assumptions
- Before asking, consider what assumptions might shape your understanding.
- Challenge yourself and others by questioning what is being taken for granted.
- Ask questions like, “What assumptions are influencing this perspective?”
E. Apply the Socratic Method
- Ask systematic, thought-provoking questions to examine ideas critically.
- Push for deeper thinking by questioning definitions, evidence, and implications.
- Example: What evidence supports this claim? → Is this evidence credible? → What alternative viewpoints exist?
F. Reflect on the Purpose of Your Question
- Are you seeking information, clarification, or a challenge to your thinking?\
- Ensure your questions align with the goal of your inquiry.
- Ask yourself, What do I hope to learn or achieve with this question?
G. Embrace Intellectual Humility
- Be open to answers that challenge your initial thoughts.
- Recognize that good questioning may lead to complex or uncertain answers.
- Accept that not every question has a simple or immediate solution.
H. Keep Practicing
- Engage in discussions with people who challenge your thinking.
- Analyze your own thought process and ask yourself questions about your reasoning.
- Write down questions about topics of interest and explore their answers.
