2.4 Practical Exercises in Reasoning
Additional Practical Exercises
A. Question-Storming
- Choose a topic, problem, or idea.
- Write down as many questions as possible about it within a set time (e.g., 5 minutes).
- Avoid judging or answering the questions—just focus on generating them.
- Afterward, categorize questions into different types (clarifying, probing, challenging).
B. Socratic Dialogue Practice
- Pick a statement or assumption you believe to be true.
- Systematically question it using Socratic questioning (e.g., What evidence supports this? → Are there alternative interpretations? → What are the implications?).
- Discuss with a partner or reflect on your own answers.
C. Reverse Questioning
- Take a common answer or belief and turn it into a question.
- Example: Instead of stating, “Exercise is good for your health”, ask, “why is exercise beneficial?” “What makes it effective?”
- This shift focuses on exploring the underlying reasoning.
D. Question Ladder
- Start with a simple question, then make it progressively deeper.
- Example:
- What is climate change? (Basic)
- What causes climate change? (Intermediate)
- How do economic policies impact climate change? (Advanced)
- What ethical dilemmas arise in addressing climate change? (Complex)
E. Question Swap
- In a group or one-on-one discussion, exchange a question with someone else.
- Try answering their question, then refine it to make it more insightful.
- Example: How do smartphones affect productivity? → In what ways do smartphones enhance or hinder deep work?
F. Critical Reading Questions
- While reading an article or book, pause and ask:
- What is the author assuming?
- What are the key arguments?
- What evidence supports these claims?
- What perspectives might challenge this viewpoint?
G. The “Why” Chain
- Ask Why? about a topic, then keep going deeper.
- Example:
- Why do people fear public speaking?
- Why does social pressure influence confidence?
- Why does the brain react to public speaking with anxiety?
This exercise promotes curiosity and layered thinking.
H. Daily Reflection Questions
At the end of each day, reflect with questions like:
- What did I learn today?
- What assumptions did I challenge?
- What could I have asked better in conversations?
