The Foundations Of KnowledgeMichael Kurfehs

Defining Intelligence• Problem Solving And Practical Skills-Include being able to reason logically,

to identify connections among ideas, to see all aspects of the problem.• Verbal Ability- Speaking clearly and articulately, conversing well, being

knowledgeable about subjects of importance on a global level, studying hard, reading widely, and having good vocabulary.

• Social Competence- Being able to accept others for what they are, admitting mistakes, having social conscience, and being sensitive to other peoples needs and desires.

Emotional Thinking Process

Decision making because of sympathy, passion, or prejudice. This pattern of thinking stresses the heart over the mind and is dominated by ones emotions

Logical Thinking Process• Decision making because the facts of the

situation dictate or justify the decision. This pattern of thinking attempts to ignore all emotional considerations in favor of ones ability to reason out a correct decision.

Vertical Thinking Process

• Uses a step by step procedure to make decisions. You cannot go to step two until you have first completed step one, and step three is dependent on steps one and two

Horizontal Thinking Process• Decisions are based on ones ability to select

from a wide variety of choices developed from many angles. If you are the type of person who comes up with creative, unconventional, highly innovative ideas you are using this process.

Critical Thinking Process

• Takes many factors into consideration before making a decision. This approach involves using logical, emotional, and ethical criteria as one strives to make up their mind.

Age Groups And Critical Thinking• From Ages 12-17- Very little independent thinking is

done• From Ages 18-21- The people in this age group tend

to reject reason and logic in favor of emotions• From Ages 22-25- Knowledge is entirely subjective

and everything must be considered tentative • From age 25 on- The individual comes to accept

contradictory positions.

Critical Thinkers

Improving Your Critical Thinking Skills