Our extraordinary capacity to reason and solve problems sets us aside from other animals, but our evolved thinking processes also leave us susceptible to bias and error. The study of thinking and reasoning goes back to Aristotle, and was one of the first topics to be studied when psychology separated from philosophy. In this Very Short Introduction Jonathan Evans explores cognitive psychological approaches to understanding the nature of thinking and reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. He shows how our problem solving capabilities are hugely dependent on also having the imagination to ask the right questions, and the ability to see things from a completely new perspective. Beginning by considering the approaches of the behaviorists and the Gestalt psychologists, he moves on to modern explorations of thinking, including hypothetical thinking, conditionals, deduction, rationality, and intuition. Covering the role of past learning, IQ, and cognitive biases, Evans also discusses the idea that there may be two different ways of thinking, arising from our evolutionary history. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This completely rewritten textbook reflects on the revolutionary changes that have occurred in the field of Thinking and Reasoning in recent years.

The Cambridge Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning is the first comprehensive and authoritative handbook covering all the core topics of the field of thinking and reasoning. Written by the foremost experts from cognitive psychology, cognitive science, and cognitive neuroscience, individual chapters summarize basic concepts and findings for a major topic, sketch its history, and give a sense of the directions in which research is currently heading. The volume also includes work related to developmental, social and clinical psychology, philosophy, economics, artificial intelligence, linguistics, education, law, and medicine. Scholars and students in all these fields and others will find this to be a valuable collection.

How do we define thinking? Is it simply memory, perception and motor activity or perhaps something more complex such as reasoning and decision making? This book argues that thinking is an intricate mix of all these things and a very specific coordination of cognitive resources. Divided into three key sections, there are chapters on the organization of human thought, general reasoning and thinking and behavioural outcomes of thinking. These three overarching themes provide a broad theoretical framework with which to explore wider issues in cognition and cognitive psychology and there are chapters on motivation and language plus a strong focus on problem solving, reasoning and decision making – all of which are central to a solid understanding of this field. The book also explores the cognitive processes behind perception and memory, how we might differentiate expertise from skilled, competent performance and the interaction between language, culture and thought.

The Oxford Handbook of Thinking and Reasoning brings together the contributions of many of the leading researchers in thinking and reasoning to create the most comprehensive overview of research on thinking and reasoning that has ever been available. Each chapter includes a bit of historical perspective on the topic, and concludes with some thoughts about where the field seems to be heading.

Thinking and reasoning are key activities for human beings. In this book a distinguished set of contributors provides a wide readership with up-to-date scientific advances in the developmental psychology of thinking and reasoning, both at the theoretical and empirical levels. The first part of the book illustrates how modern approaches to the study of thinking and reasoning have gone beyond the Piagetian legacy: through the investigation of avenues previously not explored, and by demonstrating that young children have higher capacities than was assumed within the Piagetian tradition. The second part focuses upon theoretical and empirical investigations of the interplay between logic and intuition in reasoning and decision making, and how these forms of thinking evolve with age, through the general framework of what is known as dual-process theories. Contrary to Piaget’s claim, it becomes apparent that elaborate adult reasoning could rely on some form of intuition. The Development of Thinking and Reasoning provides psychologists, educators and everyone interested in child development with an integrated and up-to-date series of chapters, written by prominent specialists in the areas of thinking, reasoning, and decision making.

This textbook covers a broad range of research on the psychology of thinking and reasoning. In particular, the authors focus on the question of when thinking is best characterized as the following of abstract rules and when as the building and manipulation of mental models of concrete situations.

The Little Blue Reasoning Book helps readers build essential critical thinking, creative thinking, and decision-making skills and is suitable for the everyday student, test-prep candidate, or working professional in need of a refresher course. Interwoven within the book's five chapters -Perception & Mindset, Decision Making, Creative Thinking, Analyzing Arguments, and Mastering Logic - are 50 reasoning tips that summarize the common themes behind classic reasoning problems and situations. Appendixes contain summaries of fallacious reasoning, analogies, trade-offs, and a review of critical reading.

Arguing, Reasoning, and Thinking Well offers an engaging and accessible introduction to argumentation and critical thinking. With a pro-social focus, the volume encourages readers to value civility when engaged in arguing and reasoning. Authors Gass and Seiter, renowned for their friendly writing style, include real-world examples, hypothetical dialogues, and editorial cartoons to invite readers in. The text includes a full chapter devoted to the ethics of argument, as well as content on refutation and formal logic. It is designed for students in argumentation and critical thinking courses in communication, philosophy, and psychology departments, and is suitable for students and general education courses across the curriculum.

Enhance your logical thinking skills with "The Art Of Logical Thinking Or The Laws Of Reasoning" by William Walker Atkinson, a comprehensive guide that explores the principles and techniques of effective reasoning and logical analysis. Immerse yourself in Atkinson's teachings as he unveils the art of thinking critically and making sound decisions. As the pages unfold, delve into the art of logical thinking, covering aspects from deductive and inductive reasoning to the laws that govern effective thought processes. William Walker Atkinson provides readers with practical exercises and insights to sharpen their logical thinking skills, offering a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities. But here's a question that resonates with those aiming to improve their logical thinking: What are the key laws and principles that govern logical reasoning, and how can individuals apply these laws to everyday decision-making and problem-solving? Reflect on the transformative teachings presented by Atkinson, prompting contemplation on the practical applications of logical thinking in various aspects of life. Experience the art of logical thinking with "The Art Of Logical Thinking." Short, instructive paragraphs guide you through Atkinson's principles, encouraging you to embrace the practices that can lead to improved reasoning and more effective decision-making. Are you ready to unlock the art of logical thinking and enhance your cognitive abilities? Join William Walker Atkinson on a logical exploration through the pages of "The Art Of Logical Thinking" and discover the keys to thinking critically and making informed decisions. Open the doors to a world of improved reasoning. Purchase "The Art Of Logical Thinking" now, and let Atkinson's timeless wisdom be your guide on the journey to developing logical thinking skills that can be applied in various aspects of your life. Seize the opportunity to own a piece of cognitive brilliance. Embrace the art of logical thinking with "The Art Of Logical Thinking" and let Atkinson's insights inspire you to approach challenges and decisions with a sharper and more logical mind.