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4 minutes
There are different types of thinking and each person has their own style when drawing conclusions. Let’s meet 10 ways of thinking.
When we have an idea or come to a conclusion, it seems that the Final product it is a finished or homogeneous whole. However, before reaching her we have tied the dots, analyzed variables and brought into play different types of thinking.
meet the behind the scenes It allows us to understand our starting points, to know if we make mistakes or to find the strongest arguments for our ideas. Let’s see what this is about.
Types of thinking and their characteristics
The concept of thought refers to mental processes that can be voluntary or involuntary, through which a person can think about himself, about others and about different issues. It is the fruit of intellectual activity or imagination.
The different types of thinking are as follows:
- Analytical: it is a type of thinking that separates each data or information as if it were pieces, analyzing them in great detail.
- Reflexive: leads us to analyze in depth the different stages. It is a slow, calm thought, opposed to impulsiveness.
- Critical: reflective thinking, ordered as it is, gives rise to critical thinking, which allows us to distance ourselves from the facts, analyze situations, weigh their advantages and disadvantages. That is, it separates from common sense and enters into tension with what is taken for granted.
- Convergent: As its name indicates, it takes us to a common point in elements or situations that, apparently, had no coincidence.
- Creative: It is that thought that breaks with the molds, that seeks to get off the beaten track and think differently. That is why it is also known as lateral thinking. Innovative, original and disruptive solutions are usually obtained.
- Systemic: looks for relationships and connections between the different units of information. Here the whole is more than the sum of the parts. As its name indicates, it is interested in the vision of the system, of the whole and not individuality.
- Magical: it is a type of thinking that connects facts, causes and consequences as if they were related. This connection is illogical and random. To a certain extent, it is usually considered naive, since it is linked to superstitions or rituals.
- Inductive: part of particular or singular cases and derives in general conclusions.
- Deductive: Unlike the previous one, it starts from general cases and derives in particular conclusions. It is usually one of the most used in our day to day. For example, if I enter a store and see that there are bananas, pears and apples, I deduce that it is a store where I can also find lemons.
- Practical: practical reasoning is the one that allows us to orient ourselves, by which we are able to think from the abstract to the praxis and the concrete. It allows us to act.
The importance of identifying our thoughts
Many people will say that every time they think they are not identifying which subtype of thinking their ideas belong to. While this is true, it is important to understand that when we find ourselves at a dead end, understanding the way we break down information allows us to shed light on certain aspects.
On the other hand, it also allows us to adapt the tool to the moment. In other words, very reflective thinking prevents us from making daily decisions, since we stop longer to do so and consider multiple variables.
But if what we have to decide is whether to buy a soap from one brand or another, a practice-oriented thinking is better for us. We will consider prices, quality and not much else.
Thought, emotion and action
The importance of understanding thoughts is that (from cognitive theories) they are connected to our emotions and our behavior. When we have cognitive biases, that is, when we make certain mistakes when read information, we are oriented in one direction or another.
For example, when they become ruminant thoughts we cannot escape from a vicious circle that causes discomfort, anguish and anxiety. Therefore, if we can better understand how the mind works, we can also implement strategies that help us feel better.
Learning to think is also learning to feel and act. These components operate in multiple directions and not in a unilinear fashion. It is necessary to stop thinking of ourselves only as a rational intelligence and an emotional intelligence; we are subjects with both types of intelligences.
Finally, it is also true that each person has their own style when analyzing the situations and circumstances. This allows the points of view to be enriched in the exchange.
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