Last Updated on April 12, 2023 by Editorial Team
What is the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the words “logic” and “logical thinking”? Whenever we hear or read something from someone or somewhere, we typically try to make sense of it. Is it logical to me?
As human beings we are capable of abilities to think, describing, and comprehending situations and coming up with solutions. Logic and logical thinking deal with the kind of ideas that allow a true conclusion to be drawn from valid reasoning. As a result, it is likewise concerned with differentiating between sound and poor reasoning. Logical thinkers study and evaluate phenomena, responses, and feedback before drawing conclusions from them.
This blog provides real-life examples of logical thinking, how and when it is utilized in various aspects, and why it is important as a foundational skill to an individual.
Instances where we employ logical thinking
Logical thinking is the process of analyzing a problem and devising a logical solution, which is also a crucial analytical skill example. Logical thinking necessitates the use of reasoning skills to critically analyze a problem, allowing you to make a reasoned decision on how to proceed. Here are 10 examples of how we use logical thinking for various purposes in our life
1. Persuasion
Logical thinking is the reasoning and justification we use to convince ourselves or persuade others in conversations to deal with any matter. For instance, Aisha wants to buy a new iPhone despite being persuaded and jealous by her friends. She cried in an attempt to force her parents to buy one. Her parents make her understand how they can’t afford one by sharing the financial details about her dad’s salary, the cost of her education, the cost of daily house supplies, etc. Through all this, Aisha gets over her desire and impulsiveness.
2. Research
Logical thinking is also used in the research processes. Both objectivity and critical analysis require the ability to think logically. Without the two skills of objectivity and critical analysis, one cannot conduct research. A researcher’s study involves selecting the proper subject to study, selecting appropriate participants, going through a variety of data interpretation techniques, and coming to a systematic conclusion. This methodical analysis of research necessitates logical decision-making that puts generated facts and data ahead of personal preferences or beliefs. Example – Most people believe in things based on a few observations or word-of-mouth ideas from other beliefs, but a researcher’s perspective will logically apply accurate knowledge based on facts, not belief to find whether it’s true or not. That’s how phenomenons are addressed in scientific research.
3. Judgment
Our evaluation of any problem or situation is also based on our ability to comprehend the situation using the knowledge and facts at our disposal. For instance, A judge in a courtroom does not convict someone unless he or she understands all aspects of the crime as well as the truth and fallacy behind them. In the crucial decision, the judge determines whether the defendant committed a crime based on laws and logic alone, without considering feelings or their own gut instinct. Logical thinking helps people make the right decision at the right time.
4. Taking a tough decision
When faced with a difficult choice, we consider what actions are most likely to lead to the best possible conclusion. So we take help from someone else’s opinion that might occasionally be beneficial, depending on the circumstances. This may assist one in gaining the knowledge required to make the most sensible decision. Consider the following scenario: A man decides to purchase a pricey car, but there are many options. He searched for information about the car’s features, price, and mileage, but he was still undecided. So, he went up to his family members or close friends who had already purchased a car to ask them about their experience. With their information and his knowledge, this allowed him to make the right purchase!
5. Career planning
Similarly, We never make life decisions without giving them careful thought. In a similar vein, deciding on a career or field for the future requires careful consideration, not only because you are passionate about it, which is subjective, but also because you have the necessary skills and knowledge to do it or have the potential to do it. Here, logic serves as a check on all of our self-created fantasies and expectations.
6. Encourage independent thoughts
In order for children to learn and grasp, instruction must initially involve a lot of examples. The prolonged and repeated demonstration is ineffective because problem-solving calls for extensive deliberation and analysis.
For example, chess is a game where its moves can be learned and practiced. However, in the subsequent round, the exact same tactic that was utilized ended up becoming a failure move. Here, the use of logical reasoning techniques allows for creative thought. Children must acquire fresh viewpoints to tackle problems on a consistent basis.
7. Understanding a variety of subjects
Logical thinking is also a base for understanding various subjects. In schools and colleges, there are many topics that call for analytical and thinking abilities. Science and math both employ logic to solve problems; to work on solving problems with experiments or the basics of math entails drawing logical conclusions from observations in sociology, executing algorithmic logic in computers, and understanding the dense texts of philosophy, English, or history. Every topic with a useful conclusion involves some level of logical reasoning.
8. Using logical thinking at work
Just like in school, logical thinking applies at work also. The majority of jobs require reasoning ability. An individual uses the skills to solve problems that may not have obvious solutions or that include many factors. Take the example of purchases at a business. Since this enables the manufacturing department to comprehend the quantity and rate of production, analytical skills are used for estimating the total sales. In deciding through the data if the product is worthy of putting on the market or requires an upgrade, logical reasoning is further utilized.
9. Maintaining Relationship
Logical thinking also helps individuals maintain relationships. A logical companion is helpful in a relationship to keep it smooth. Their reasoning helps to collect information, observations, and “truths” from the outside world to support their partner’s interpretation of the issue. They keep trying to make their partner feel better and have the best of intentions. Helping them to understand the right and wrong sides of the perspective and encouraging them through their way.
10. Easing everyday decision
Every decision we make every day is also influenced by logic. Someone can study and make judgments that affect their way of life by using logical reasoning. If nobody made rational decisions and nothing would make sense, everyone would be scurrying around making a mess.
Logical thinking: An important foundation skill?
Dell Mclerny in his book quoted that “ Whether logic is viewed as a science, an art, or a skill—and it can legitimately be regarded as all three—it is the foundation of our capacity to reason, evaluate, engage in argumentation, and communicate. Indeed, logic is fundamental to what we mean when we talk about human intelligence.
Logical thinking is important because it can assist you in making important decisions, solving problems, coming up with innovative ideas, and setting goals. Learning logical thinking helps you apply your mind in challenging situations and find rational solutions to problems.
In order to think logically, the pertinent information must first be organized into a sequence and then thought through in steps. Each phase can be examined and resolved independently, but they all work together to form the overall structure of the issue. You get closer to resolving the issue at hand as you proceed through the processes.
At the same time, a lot of connections are made between dyscalculia and logical thinking. However, a few strategies and tips can help individuals with learning difficulties enhance this aspect of thinking too.
Conclusion
Our potential for logical thinking gradually increases as we age, but it also takes knowledge and practice to hone this skill, which uniquely distinguishes humans from other living things. Your ability to solve problems logically depends on your ability to think logically. They allow you to respond to any problems that occur with well-informed arguments. Additionally, they enable you to make choices that most people will view as rational. Outstanding thinkers search for patterns and link concepts. Making sense of disparate concepts and facts is a special ability. The majority of logical thinkers excel in their learning and practice.
An engineer, Maths expert, Online Tutor and animal rights activist. In more than 5+ years of my online teaching experience, I closely worked with many students struggling with dyscalculia and dyslexia. With the years passing, I learned that not much effort being put into the awareness of this learning disorder. Students with dyscalculia often misunderstood for having just a simple math fear. This is still an underresearched and understudied subject. I am also the founder of Smartynote -‘The notepad app for dyslexia’,