Thinking and reasoning are the fundamental distinct cognitive or mental activities. The relations between thinking and reasoning is that reasoning is a sub type of thinking that always use logic to draw conclusions. Whereas, thinking is more broader concept that produces thoughts and can take various form. It may be conscious or unconscious thinking. But, reasoning is only conscious form of thinking. Here, I’m going to compare both term to get deeper insight.
thinking : meaning, types and roles
It is an essential component of human cognition, allowing individuals to process ideas, solve problems, and make decisions. Thinking, a multifaceted cognitive phenomenon, extends far beyond mere mental imagery. It encompasses a range of elements that shape our experiences, perceptions, and decisions.
Conscious thinking involves more intentional control and which includes current sensations, feelings, and thoughts. It enables us to make deliberate decisions, plan, and control our actions.
Unconscious thinking occurs without awareness. It is a spontaneous not deliberate process. So, it occurs automatically like our habits, gut feelings or phobia. Simply, it is product of automatic mind.
There are various types of thinking like critical thinking, creative thinking, analytical thinking, conceptual thinking, convergent thinking, divergent thinking, intuitive thinking, and reflective thinking, etc. Each type plays a crucial role in how individuals navigate their thoughts and understanding of the world.
Reasoning: meaning, types and role
As I said that thinking is more broader term that includes both conscious and unconscious mental activities. While, reasoning is more specific or structured form of thinking. It helps us to make judgements whether an action is good or bad, beneficial or detrimental based on available facts through logic. So, it needs logic, evidence to draw results. There are two types of reasoning: deductive and inductive reasoning.
Inductive reasoning is a type of logical reasoning wherein conclusions are reached by inductive reasoning can’t be guaranteed to be true but probabilistic. It is a bottom up approach. It draws general conclusions by observing specific phenomenon or data. This method of reasoning allows individuals to form hypotheses and theories based on the patterns and trends they observe in real-world situations.
On the other hand, Deductive reasoning is a kind of logical process by which a conclusion is drawn from two or more premises. Unlike inductive reasoning, it is called top down reasoning approach as it uses general observations or principles to arrive at specific conclusion. Deductive reasoning may be valid, invalid, sound or unsound depending on premises and principles of logic.
Relationship between thinking and reasoning
Thinking and reasoning are integral components of our everyday lives, influencing our decisions and actions in various contexts. These cognitive processes manifest in numerous real-life situations, demonstrating their distinct yet interconnected roles.
For instance, consider the process of planning a family vacation. In this scenario, thinking involves brainstorming destination options, considering preferences, and imagining the experiences that await. Here, creative thinking helps generate a list of potential locations, tapping into personal desires and shared interests.
On the other hand, reasoning becomes significant when evaluating the feasibility of these options. This involves assessing logistical details such as budget, travel times, and accommodations. By applying logical reasoning, individuals can analyze which options meet their criteria and constraints, ultimately leading to a well-informed decision. This illustrates how thinking stimulates ideas while reasoning ensures they are practical and achievable.
So, in everyday life, both thinking and reasoning complement each other. Engaging in creative thought can yield innovative solutions, while reasoning can help refine and validate those ideas. Understanding the nuances between these cognitive processes enables individuals to leverage them effectively for optimal problem-solving in diverse contexts.
Difference between thinking and reasoning
Thinking is more broader concept that encompasses various mental activities, such as pondering, daydreaming, and imagining. It includes all forms of cognitive activities, ranging from simple recollections to complex problem-solving. On the other hand, reasoning refers specifically to the cognitive processes that involve logical inference, whereby conclusions are drawn based on premises or evidence.
For example, consider the act of creative brainstorming. This type of thinking allows individuals to generate a multitude of ideas without immediately evaluating their validity or coherence. It is an expansive activity that thrives on freedom and fluidity.
In contrast, reasoning would come into play when one evaluates those generated ideas, assessing them for their logical consistency and feasibility to arrive at a sound conclusion. Thus, reasoning could be seen as a subset of thinking that prioritizes logic over creativity
Finally, in this ways, thinking and reasoning significantly shape our lives, constantly influencing how we learn, create, and communicate.