SMART THINKING

SKILLS FOR CRITICAL UNERSTANDING AND WRITING

Matthew Allen

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"There is an inner logic, and we're taught to stay far from it. It is simple and elegant, but it is cruel and antithetic.
And there's not effort to reveal it."

Bad Religion, 'Inner Logic'

The world we live in today makes it imperative that we just not think but do so with reasoning. Why? so much as it is, Reasoning happens to form the basis of much of our thinking. Matthew Allen, makes it known in his book as to how one can make probable arguments through effective reasoning.

Synopsis

This book focusses on the analytical structural format, primarily as a means of learning about reasoning, but also as a tool for planning the construction and presentation of arguments and explanation. This book proposes a framework that , when combined with the concept of analytical inquiries, has a means of reflecting the mental processes that smart thinkers must go through.

It was stated that smart thinking is more than a method of skill. It is a mentality. Instead of treating reasoning as a purely logical activity, this read views it as a component of communication. This tends to make one aware of what they ought to be doing and that, if they are willing, they can think about and discover more about their own thought processes.

The book combines a strong academic base with an approachable and plain manner. The book not only offers thorough guidance on how to hone analytical abilities, but it also includes examples of how these abilities can be applied to writing and research. It places particular attention on how to construct arguments that make sense and take into consideration their context and audience.

This enlightens us on how one develops the proper mindset for becoming a smart thinker, competent in reasoning and capable of achieving one's objectives through arguments and explanations.

Thoughts

I, on a personal level, think this is a brilliant book. I happen to be a huge believer in logic. Why? I have been in a number of instances where both mine and the opponent's arguments were of course, illogical. I, however grew to understand to the importance of being logical in any argument or claim.

This book helps clear the fog on this path I was on. I very much appreciate the exercises that were offered together with the discussions to help us bring out the practical side of our minds. However, I would have loved if the concept extended beyond making reasonable arguments and the sorts of 'schooling setting' to being able to apply them to daily situations.

Regardless, if one truly immerses oneself in what is being stated, it is easy to see how this is applicable. Above all, this book turned out again to be a fantastic read, and I am glad I stumbled on it because it has contributed value to my reasoning process.

Recommendation

In a non-biased approach, I recommend that everyone reading this blog post should consider getting a copy of this book. This book should be on your list on must-reads. if you want to improve your ability to make plausible and rational arguments and claims.

This would be beneficial to you in the same way that it has been beneficial to me.

Happy Reading !!!

About the Author

A Professor of Internet Studies, Matthew Allen in 1994, started working at Curtin University of Technology, where he was a member of the School of Social Sciences and Asian Languages. As the university's first Internet Studies professor, Matthew is currently the department's founding head. In the Division of Humanities, he has also held the position of Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning (2003-2005).

In addition to receiving an Australian Learning and Teaching Council Fellowship in 2008 and an Australian Award for University Teaching in 2000, Matthew served as president of the Association of Internet Researchers from 2005 to 2007. He has been a member of the Board since 2003 and is currently the Chairman of the Western Australian Library Board.