Thinking and Decision Making

Paper Summary:

This paper analyzes three different thinking styles: logical, persuasive and systematic thinking. The author uses workplace examples to show how the critical thinking-process moves into the decision making-process. The paper explains that one component of logical thinking is the deductive thinking process, which then is broken down into three types of syllogism-- categorical, hypothetical and disjunctive. The author relates that a successful persuader usually has knowledge of the subject, is objective, and honest, and can appeal to the other person's needs, wants, and values. The paper utilizes the example of an employee asking for a raise to demonstrate systematic thinking.

From the Paper:

"Persuasive thinking can be positive when following moral and ethical guidelines. In doing so one must be aware of his or her biases and control them. It's necessary to be objective and see things from different perspectives and to know the audience's values and needs.
Thinking systematically, or methodically, is probably the most popular and most organized style of thinking. Systematic Thinking involves the thinker to follow four simple steps, they are: (1) recognize and investigate the problem, (2) devise multiple alternatives, (3) characterize and institute a selection criteria, and (4) make a concluding verdict."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kirby, G. A., & Goodpaster, J. R. (2007). Thinking: An interdisciplinary approach to critical and creative thought (4th Ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
• Demeterio III, F.P.A. (2001) Logic, The Philosophy of Systematic Thinking and Argumentation, http://www.geocities.com/philodept/diwatao/logic.htm
• Dictionary.com. (2008). Dictionary.com. Retrieved May 2, 2008, from www.dictionary.com
• Kirby, Goodpaster. (2007). Thinking: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Critical Creative Thought. Retrieved May 2, 2008, from University of Phoenix, Week Two, rEsource. Mgt 350 Critical Thinking: Strategies in Decision Making Web site.

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