general

definition of thinking

One of the most complex and fascinating phenomena, thought, occurs in the neural circuits of the human brain. It involves some kind of specific mental operation, such as imagining, calculating, memorizing, or deciding.

Thinking is related to brain activity and language

Without even realizing it, we are thinking in one way or another, even when we say that we do not think of anything. However, science does not have a definitive explanation for how we do it. This does not mean that everything related to thought is ignored.

It is known that neurons weave a network of relationships across synapses and this aspect configures the biological foundation of what is later translated into ideas. We also know that language and thought are closely linked, to the point that some consider it impossible to think without words.

From words we create concepts and these are the basis of thought. If our mind did not create concepts that unify reality, we would need a name for each of the things that exist and it would be impossible to understand the immensity of the world around us.

Approaches to the same idea

For a neurobiologist, the study of thought focuses on brain structure and functions and on the contacts between neurons through neurotransmitters. The philosopher can approach thought from the principles of reason or understanding the mind as a blank page that is written from experience.

The psychologist can conceive human thought from different positions: to evaluate the intelligence of an individual, to understand his emotional state or to establish therapeutic strategies. For the common man, thought is something that is taken for granted, since he is limited to thinking about things and does not need any theory about thought.

Different modalities

Critical thinking is basically an intellectual attitude. Through this attitude, we do not limit ourselves to knowing something, but we try to analyze and evaluate ideas beyond their initial appearance.

The "concrete" focuses on the particular, while abstract thinking creates generalities and captures reality in its complexity.

The "magic" is one in which ideas and reasoning of a supernatural type are created and outside strictly rational explanations.

The "unconscious" breaks the rules of logic and common sense and constitutes a mystery to humans.

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