Learn more about problemsolving with this collection
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The basis of justifying claims
Consider on what basis you can justify any claims. You may rely on external evidence, personal preferences or experiences. All of them will at some stage point to our assumptions we accept as fundamental.
Our assumptions are unexamined ideas. They are vital as they underpin our thinking. However, sometimes we don't share the same assumptions with others and may need to spell them out.
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MORE IDEAS ON THIS
Reflect on why you believe something is important
Take a moment of self-reflection. We have many vague and confusing thoughts and feelings that we don't spend the time to sort out, so they mostly stay that way.
Observing yourself in a neutral way is the first step to clearer thinking. Make yourself comfor...
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Consider what you are claiming
What are you claiming, and why? For example, thinking if it is better to become a vegetarian or a vegan, and why or why not it is better.
Write out a numbered list of statements followed by a conclusion. The statements should present a line of reasoning th...
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Embrace dialogue
The most valuable thing about clearly presenting the thinking behind a point of view is the willingness to participate in a reasoned exchange of ideas.
In principle, it suggests you're prepared to:
- Justify your position.
- Listen to, and learn from othe...
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Investigate the divide between beliefs and actions
Simple conclusions can become more complex and revealing. For example, if you believe that it is better to be a vegetarian but don't eat vegetarian, it suggests that you don't believe your own reasons or that you don't find your reasons compelling.
Clarify...
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Clarifying your thinking
When we are struggling with a complex topic, it can be powerful to talk someone else through the idea, step by step.
This principle of explaining complex ideas as simply as possible is called 'Explain Like I'm Five.' Explaining concepts helps to clarify our thinkin...
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Be clear about assumptions
When it comes to clarifying your thinking, differentiate between what follows from your assumptions and the status of those assumptions:
- Any line of thinking begins with certain assumptions you take as a given.
- A process of analysis can show where your assum...
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CURATED FROM
IDEAS CURATED BY
Related collections
Other curated ideas on this topic:
The Concept Of Extraordinary Claims
- Instead of viewing claims as either ordinary or extraordinary, it’s better to view them as ranging between these two ends of the spectrum, based on how likely they are given everything that is known on the subject.
- It can be difficult to define the exact th...
Overcoming The Planning Fallacy: The Outside View
Things usually do not happen as we expect them to be. Our inner view of things (our cognitive bias) is shattered with unexpected obstacles, delays and interruptions.
Instead of relying on your own subjectivity and frame of reference, check out your previous experiences and take an ...
The Zen Way
“We teach ourselves; Zen merely points the way.” — D. T. Suzuki
“The basic idea of Zen is to come in touch with the inner workings of our being, and to do so in the most direct way possible, without resorting to anything external.” — D. T. Suzuki
“Emotionally we have many problems, bu...
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