Reasoning as a Resource
Reasoning plays an important role in that there isn't a concrete right or wrong, it is based on common sense. Common sense is an important element in our lives because not only can it help solve problems and come to conclusions, it often keeps us safe from harm.
Dani,
I believe you are correct in a very important way. However, reasoning must have at least a foundation of objectivity (concrete right wrong) in order for it to be reasoning. I'm not sure if you're familiar with Mark Twain's quote on common sense, but it also had some validity in a very important way. But I do see your point, that the most direct cognitive route often bring this to sensible conclusions and intuitively is self preserving. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reasoning is like an internal debate, qualifying and quantifying information, experience with a twist of emotion or empathy.
Ann,
Very good analogy. Thanks.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
We get so caught up in the tasks/demands of work and daily living. Time off to just think this holiday season has made my mind more clear-- recharged for the new year!
Ann,
Clearing the mind of "clutter" is an important step to implement effective reasoning. Sounds like you're ready to go for 2012.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reasoning is a most valuable skill; but one that is lacking in many of today's career college students. It seems many have up untilnow been fed a diet of multiple choice and true-false quizzes or activities.
When students have to finally deal with the very gray areas of business ethics, for example, it seems they now have to develop and use heretofore little used skills. So reasoning with the instructor's/facilitator's assistance helps students to get to all sides of an issue; not just the textbook or answer key solution!
Finally employers can hire lots of warm bodies; but they will retain and promote those that have the best soft skills, including reasoning and judgment.
Mazen,
These are all excellent points. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
It plays very important role in to things makes sense, verify facts and justify facts and beliefs. It is in human nature to reason to find out solutions.
Zafar,
Yes, reasoning is a skill to refine throught life. Thank you for your contribution.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Through the process of reasoning it allows us to rationally weigh out all of our options pertaining to a particular situation. Making a list of the pros and cons of a particular situation is a good way for us to rationally reach a satisfying decision.
Linda,
Good point. The pros and cons list is a very effective tool when reasoning toward a decision. Thank you.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Dani,
You are exactly right. You must use common sense to base your answers on because there really isn't a right or wrong answer. If you use common sense, you will have the answer that is most correct for you.
Esther,
Very good point. Common sense is a strong ally in many situations. It makes a good foundation on which to build much of the required reasoning to which this refers. Do you think there may be times when there is a right and/or wrong answer and reasoning beyond common sense is required for some problem solving situations? Thank you for you participation and contributions.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reasoning is the most basic tool in the problem solving process. Unfortunately, like this module indicates, our society has been conditioned to become heavily dependent on technology and instant gratification that many people have let this skill fall by the wayside.
I agree that we have, for the most part, become a mindless society. We enter our questions into the computer, and like magic, the answer appears. Many don't even take the time to evaluate the source of information.
For the above reasons, teaching critical thinking and problem solving tends to "get in the way" of students who are just trying to get by and pass the class. Critical thinking and problem solving cannot occur without the most basic skill of reasoning.
It seems to me that for those with little "common sense", the ability to reason would be a much more difficult experience. Like anything else, there's got to be a foundation laid, basic fundamental knowlege....a starting point.
I FULLY agree that too much of today's education is so standardized, and teachers can be penalized if students don't do well on end of year tests, that teachers are afraid to take the extra time that would actually encourage exploration or discussion.
Marivic,
Your comments, sadly, resonate with many teachers. As difficult as it is, most teachers I know work hard to both "get in the way" and encourage toward success at the same time. Thank you for sharing your insights. Good post.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Chris,
It does seem that the bureaucratic levels required for establishing consistent standards, as you point out, do impose a difficult challenge for classroom, exploratory learning. Thank you for sharing your insights.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
Reasoning plays a huge role in critical thinking. In order to draw appropiate conclusions & problem solve, we need reasoning to help us gather facts and assess them as either concrete & correct or to dismiss them as "fiction". Without reasoning, we'd be essentially running around making very poor choices in life.
Heather,
Yes, a person's integrity of reasoning is a powerful resource. Even when all of the facts are present, the puzzle still be very challenging.
Dr. S. David Vaillancourt
