Explore the Paul-Elder framework: intellectual standards, elements of thought, and traits for clearer decisions in parenting, wealth, and entrepreneurship.
The gateway standard. If a statement is unclear, we cannot determine its accuracy or relevance.
Is that really true? How could we check that? A statement can be clear but not accurate.
Could you be more specific? A statement can be both clear and accurate, but not precise.
How is that connected to the question? A statement can be clear, accurate, and precise, but irrelevant.
How does your answer address the complexities in the question? avoiding superficiality.
Do we need to consider another point of view? Is there another way to look at this?
Does this really make sense? Does the first paragraph fit with the last?
Is this the most important problem to consider? Focus on the central idea.
Do I have a vested interest in this issue? Am I sympathetically representing the viewpoints of others?
Have we examined all the information necessary?
Goal, objective, function. All reasoning has a purpose.
Problem, issue. All reasoning is an attempt to figure something out.
Data, facts, evidence, observations. All reasoning is based on data.
Conclusions, solutions. All reasoning contains inferences by which we draw conclusions.
Theories, definitions, axioms, laws, principles, models.
Presuppositions, axioms, what is taken for granted.
Consequences, results. All reasoning leads somewhere.
Frame of reference, perspective, orientation.
Knowing what you don't know. Avoiding arrogance.
Facing ideas/beliefs that are painful or unpopular to address.
Putting oneself in the place of others to genuinely understand them.
Thinking for oneself. Not passively accepting beliefs.
Holding oneself to the same standards one expects of others.
Refusing to give up when faced with complex or frustrating problems.
Trusting that good reasoning will lead to the best outcomes.
Treating all viewpoints alike without reference to one's own feelings.