Reasoning requires practice?

Question

I am beginning to wonder whether good reasoning skills are not entirely innate, but require practice. I'm not even trying to be funny or anything--I seriously believe this is true. Of the devout believers in this room, I wonder how many have taken a serious course in logic, philosophy, or mathematics. If any of you haven't, you should go do so. I think it could do some serious good.

meanwhile I need to take a writing course to learn not to repeatedly use the same word. Seriously.

Answer 1

Just made an A in philosophy in college. A really fun course.

Answer 2

You are correct about reasoning; it is not always innate. It can be developed by those willing to take the necessary steps, and courses can certainly help. However, it is difficult for some to carry over the teaching of reasoning into their lives because many people don't understand how to use logic and reasoning in everyday activities without being shown many examples first. Perhaps some people just need a sort of "reason guide," much like a spiritual advisor, who is only there to provide how to use reason at all times.

I think I just used the word "reason"(-ing) way too many times. I'll see you in the writing class.

Answer 3

Many of us start practicing shortly after gaining the ability to speak. Have you ever seen a Mom deny the request for a cookie from her 3 year old? He immediately starts reasoning that, since it's been quite some time since he has had one, and the next meal won't be for at least a little while longer, there would be no harm in having one now.

Reason is a higher order skill, as opposed to identifying objects, or simple description. Reason requires at least some of the facts or accepted beliefs and a contrary view point. It is a skill of convincing someone that something they believe to be true may not be, or that the way that they think is somehow flawed.

Reason requires much practice.

Answer 4

As one of the devout believers in the room I can say that reasoning definitely takes practise. Many of the aspects of our personality are learned and that's why the courses you may wonder about should include good parenting skills. I have always held the firm belief that we are each a product of our upbringing and the environment in which that occurred. Free will gives many of us the ability to change our course in life, if we are taught to use our own judgement. It's really a catch 22.

Answer 5

I agree. After 12 years of school, you are trained to just accept stuff that you read and what people tell you - it's hard to remember that not everyone knows what they are talking about. You have to remember to read things critically, examine the evidence, decide if the person is qualified to make that statement. It can take practice or training in logic. It just doesn't occur to some people to take a critical approach, especially if they are taught to trust someone.

Answer 6

It does take a lot of practice. It also take honesty and an open mind. I know too many people who "reason" things out but go with the answers they like rather than the reality of the situation.

Answer 7

Good reasoning requires a great deal of practice. I would recommend you look at McInerny's "Being Logical" as a good introduction to critical thinking

Answer 8

Religion would have gone much further with a little objective scientific method instead of resting on their laurels while the world has passed them by. Everything is busting loose now and everyone is getting it. I guess that's why it says that the judgment begins in the church.

Answer 9

Funny.

Yes. The mind is a muscle in need of flexing.

Even the innately smart can become lazy in their thinking...

Answer 10

It sure does. Everything productive requires practice.

If you just want to sit back and say "god did it". You are going nowhere.