By: Megan Prats
1/22/2015
Logic and reason is not an element of critical thinking as defined by the 2learn® Method because logic and reason confines the infinite realm of knowledge to the finite reality that we live in. However, logic and reason is an important tool for the student to use as it takes the ideas derived from critical thinking and allows them to conform to reality. In short, logic and reason makes critical thinking practical.
Logic and reason is rational thinking meaning it is based on evidence and it is objective. Because it is objective, logic and reason is riddled with experiment and mathematical proofs. And, its objectively factual nature normally forms the foundation of support for those undeniable truths in nature and human history.
The student utilizes logic and reason as a tool, if the problem calls for it, mainly to find narrow down possible solutions to an answer. A great way to visualize how logic and reason interacts with critical thinking is to think of logic and reason as the machine that the student uses to process her ideas derived from critical thinking to produce a practical result.
Even though logic and reason isn’t an element of critical thinking as defined by the 2learn® Method, it is something that should be taught as it is probably one of the most commonly used tools that the student will utilize to make sense of her ideas. Thus, when teaching logic an reason, it is important to instill the following concepts in the student’s thinking:
Evidence is either tangible or intangible support for the truth. Because evidence has more objective credence when it is tangible, usually students who look to logic and reason to process their ideas will turn to physical evidence for support. For instance, my student claimed that he did his homework before his last lesson. However, the evidence showed me the contrary because he couldn’t execute the homework on the drum set. We actually spent the entire lesson working on completing his homework assignment – playing the punk groove at 150 bpm. Nevertheless, he claimed that he did his homework. But, because he had no evidence to support his claim (unable to execute the groove, no written or documented proof that he did his homework), and the evidence shown in the lesson supported a contradictory conclusion, I did not believe that he did his homework.
Objectivity is evaluating the evidence without emotional bias. In evidence collection, objectivity might present itself as random selection so that evidence is not selected in accordance to the student’s biased conclusion. And, objectivity in analysis is allowing the facts to form the basis of the conclusion instead of the student’s perception of the facts. Thus, if the student decides to not play with the metronome during the lesson because he doesn’t want to even though he knows that the majority of bands play with a metronome when they play live thus playing with a metronome is an important skill to develop, the student is making a biased conclusion as his emotions remove him from the logical conclusion (objective conclusion), which is that it’d be better for the student to play with the metronome.
Conclusions based on logic and reason merge with the laws of Economics when it comes to their mathematical nature. Normally, logic and reason calls for selecting the answer that maximizes benefit and minimizes cost. For instance, if the student wants to say, “I went to the park;” in Spanish but cannot remember the word for park, the student will probably select the first of the following because it conveys the message while minimizing the risk of miscommunication: 1) Fui al Tropical Park.; 2) Fui al lugar público.; or 3) Fui al lugar público con arboles. Additionally, because “numbers don’t lie”, mathematics usually supports those objective conclusions (i.e. Because exceptions to the rule are less than those that follow the rule, it is better for you to learn via the rules instead of the exceptions.).
Logic and reason, even though it is not a gateway to the infinite realm of knowledge, is a beast in itself thus this article just covers only the tip of the iceberg. However, instilling the aforementioned principles in the student when utilizing logic and reason: evidence, objective, mathematical justification for the conclusion; will allow the student to be placed in the right mindset to use logic and reason effectively.
© Megan Prats 2015
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