Essay : Eight Elements of Thought and Reasoning

There are eight elements of thought in reasoning.
1. Point of View
2. Purpose
3. Question at issue
4. Information
5. Interpretation and Inference
6. Concepts
7. Assumptions
8. Implications and Consequences

We often use more than one element at the same time. For example, your Point of View includes Assumptions. Therefore, we can assume that these elements are two aspects of the same thing.

For your assignment this week, first begin by analyzing eight elements of thought and reasoning and re-organize them into four distinct categories by pairing elements together.

Next, briefly describe each new category you created and present your reasoning for each category. Include the characteristics of the original eight elements in your descriptions and the reasoning behind your pairings

Category:
Point of view is …
Assumptions are…
Explanation…
Example:

Below is an example of what one category may look like. You are free to pair any elements together if you can define their relationship to one another. Focus on the reasoning behind each pairing. That is what is most important in this exercise!

Example Category:

Category 1: How do I see it?

Point of View: The place from where I see things

Assumption: Information that is taken for granted; Preconceived notions

Explanation: I paired point of view and assumptions together in the same category because assumptions form your point of view. You cannot form a point of view without having assumptions first.

Example: My assumption is that short people are not good at basketball. My younger cousin is 5’ 3’’ and is terrible at the sport. Therefore, my point of view is that no short people can play basketball professionally.

Your completed assignment should be written primarily in first person and should be 500-750 words in length.

SAMPLE SOLUTION

The element of thoughts is a model of thinking that was established by Dr. Richard Paul with an aim of helping people to understand various parts of thinking. Essentially, understanding the elements of thoughts is central while taking part in a dispassionate and logical manner including our thinking and those of others. How people think depends on the eight elements of thoughts including; the point of view, purpose, the question at issue, information, interpretation and inference, concepts, assumptions, implications, and…