Book SummaryCritical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving, by Bigrocks Thinking

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving

Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving by Bigrocks Thinking is a comprehensive guide on how to use critical thought and logic to maximize your thinking and learning abilities. The book also covers logical problem-solving and communication, enabling you to be a more effective problem-solver and presenter. These skills and techniques can be applied...

Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving Summary Critical Thinking

The authors define critical thinking as the ability to use specific thought processes to understand concepts, solve problems, and communicate effectively.

They argue that critical thinking is not an inborn trait but rather an ability that can be cultivated and honed. Practice is the most important factor in cultivating critical thinking. Everyone can make use of critical thinking in their daily lives, including in school, the workplace, and their personal lives and relationships. For instance, you might apply critical thinking to decide whether or not you should get a pet or to make a convincing case to your boss for why you deserve a raise.

(Shortform note: In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman describes two types of thinking, system 1 thinking and system 2 thinking. System 1 thinking is automatic and involuntary, and it’s often based on biases or previous experiences. System 2 thinking is a conscious process of focusing attention on the information being processed, and it matches up closely with the definition of critical thinking. As...

Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving Summary Problem-Solving

Critical thinking helps you learn, understand, and form arguments. Problem-solving incorporates the process of critical thinking but is directed specifically at bridging a gap between your current state and a desired state. For example, you know you currently have a job that you don’t enjoy. Your desired state is to have a job that you do enjoy. The gap—or problem—you need to solve is how to go from having a job you don’t enjoy to having one you do enjoy.

(Shortform note: Critical thinking is only one aspect of problem-solving. Another vital one is creative thinking, which allows you to produce new solutions that may not directly arise from the information you’re thinking critically about. Like critical thinking, creative thinking can be learned and honed, but it often requires different techniques. If you’re struggling to think creatively, rather than powering through, it may help to take a break from what you’re thinking about and clear your mind, sometimes even by distracting yourself with another task or topic until creativity strikes. It can also help to change up your environment and...

Critical Thinking, Logic & Problem Solving Summary Communication and Storytelling

The authors also explain how to give good presentations and communicate your ideas effectively using critical thinking. They note that many people have excellent ideas but don’t understand how to structure their presentations. The authors advise you to structure your presentations logically and to use stories to persuade and inform your audience, two tactics we’ll talk about in this section. However, for any form of public speaking, they broadly recommend that you:

• Know your topic. A thorough understanding of your subject will establish credibility with your audience and help you answer questions they have.
• Know your audience. Be aware of your target audience’s demographics, interests, and beliefs, and appeal to those things to establish a bond with them.
• Make consistent eye contact. This will help you connect with your audience as well as gauge their reactions to what you’re saying.
• Ask questions of your audience. Asking questions keeps your audience engaged and focused on what you’re saying.

Further Tips on Public Speaking

Knowing your topic means not only knowing what information you’re going to give but also what [objections or...

Shortform Exercise: Solve a Problem

The authors explain how to solve a problem using their 5-step process. Apply this to a problem in your own life and come up with a solution.

First you need to identify the problem. What gap can you identify between your current situation and what you desire? Define this gap using the 5W2H questions.