FIT TO THINK:FIT TO THINK: CONCEPTUAL, CRITICALCONCEPTUAL, CRITICAL

& CREATIVE THINKING& CREATIVE THINKING

M.L.PANDIAM.L.PANDIA

Why This is ImportantWhy This is Important

Even in combat, how well you think is Even in combat, how well you think is more important to how well you fight than more important to how well you fight than how physically fit you arehow physically fit you are

A wrong decision, an unasked question, a A wrong decision, an unasked question, a forgotten task, an incomplete analysis, or a forgotten task, an incomplete analysis, or a poor synthesis can kill youpoor synthesis can kill you

You must exert mental sweat as well as You must exert mental sweat as well as physical sweat to be “Fit to Fight”physical sweat to be “Fit to Fight”

Good decisions require good thinking!Good decisions require good thinking!

To ThinkTo Think To form or To form or conceive conceive in the mindin the mind To meditate, ponder, To meditate, ponder, analyzeanalyze or examine or examine To have in mind as a plan, intent, or To have in mind as a plan, intent, or

purpose; purpose; intendintend To hold as an opinion; To hold as an opinion; believebelieve; suppose; suppose To To reflectreflect upon the matter in question upon the matter in question To To anticipateanticipate or expect or expect To To make a mental discoverymake a mental discovery

IdeaIdea

any conception any conception existing in the mind existing in the mind as a result of as a result of mental mental understanding, understanding, awareness or activityawareness or activity

a a thoughtthought, conception , conception or notionor notion

an an impressionimpression a plan a plan of action; an of action; an

intentionintention

Why Do We Use A LightWhy Do We Use A Light Bulb For An Idea? Bulb For An Idea?

““Let there be light!”Let there be light!” See where there was dark beforeSee where there was dark before Come to know and understand because Come to know and understand because

we can see better...we can see better... Who invented the light bulb?Who invented the light bulb? Thomas Alva Edison in 1879Thomas Alva Edison in 1879 America’s most famous inventorAmerica’s most famous inventor Light bulb = invention = ideaLight bulb = invention = idea

ConceptualConceptual

Pertaining to concepts or the forming of Pertaining to concepts or the forming of conceptsconcepts

CONCEPT--CONCEPT--a general notion or idea; conceptiona general notion or idea; conceptionan idea of something formed by an idea of something formed by

mentally combining all itsmentally combining all its characteristics characteristics or particularsor particulars: a : a constructconstruct

a directly conceived or intuited objecta directly conceived or intuited object

Why Conceptual Why Conceptual Thinking Is DifficultThinking Is Difficult

We emphasize analysisWe emphasize analysis– taking things aparttaking things apart

Need to emphasize synthesisNeed to emphasize synthesis– putting things togetherputting things together

Must think Must think bothboth ways ways Otherwise, we are “half wits”Otherwise, we are “half wits” We don’t emphasize it, reinforce it, We don’t emphasize it, reinforce it,

reward it and practice itreward it and practice it

Utility and ValueUtility and Value

Concepts should be broad enough to be Concepts should be broad enough to be usefuluseful

Concepts should be specific enough to be Concepts should be specific enough to be of valueof value

The “Goldilocks Problem”The “Goldilocks Problem” Like programmingLike programming Able to be amended and modifiedAble to be amended and modified Not limited by time and placeNot limited by time and place

ExampleExample

Government is a conceptGovernment is a concept It refers to a process, a means of decision It refers to a process, a means of decision

makingmaking It is not bounded by time, size, place but It is not bounded by time, size, place but

links means and endslinks means and ends It is about both purposes and processesIt is about both purposes and processes It permits comparison across culturesIt permits comparison across cultures Focuses on how people make rules for living Focuses on how people make rules for living

togethertogether

ExampleExample

Air Power is a conceptAir Power is a concept What are the attributes of air power?What are the attributes of air power? How is it defined? Measured? Assessed?How is it defined? Measured? Assessed? There are different kinds of air powerThere are different kinds of air power

– PurposePurpose PerformancePerformance– MethodsMethods MunitionsMunitions– PlatformsPlatforms PersonnelPersonnel

Concepts can be used in myriad waysConcepts can be used in myriad ways

CriticalCritical

Inclined to find fault or Inclined to find fault or judge with judge with severityseverity

Occupied with or Occupied with or skilled in criticismskilled in criticism Involving Involving skilful judgment skilful judgment as to truth, as to truth,

merit. etc.merit. etc. Pertaining to or of the Pertaining to or of the nature of crisisnature of crisis Involving grave Involving grave uncertainty, risk, periluncertainty, risk, peril, ,

etc.; dangerousetc.; dangerous

Critical Thinking Is . . .Critical Thinking Is . . .

It is easy–almost natural—to criticizeIt is easy–almost natural—to criticize Others!Others! We can all improve on someone else’s ideas, We can all improve on someone else’s ideas,

behavior, performance, etc.behavior, performance, etc. Difficult--to do well and effectivelyDifficult--to do well and effectively To find root causes of why things are sub-To find root causes of why things are sub-

parpar Perfection is elusive and there is always Perfection is elusive and there is always

room for improvementroom for improvement

The Two CulturesThe Two Cultures You will be irritated with how critical You will be irritated with how critical

civilian academics arecivilian academics are Academics are by nature critical—they are Academics are by nature critical—they are

educated by asking hard questionseducated by asking hard questions Those in the military are trained to be team Those in the military are trained to be team

playersplayers It is essential to mission effectivenessIt is essential to mission effectiveness It will be a challenge for many of you to It will be a challenge for many of you to

learn how to ask tough questions of yourself learn how to ask tough questions of yourself and othersand others

Critical Thinking Is . . .Critical Thinking Is . . .

Asking Why? Why not? How?Asking Why? Why not? How? Testing motives, bias, incompletenessTesting motives, bias, incompleteness Deals with alternative explanationsDeals with alternative explanations Formulation and testing of hypothesesFormulation and testing of hypotheses If … then statements, and conditionsIf … then statements, and conditions Looking for mismatchesLooking for mismatches Pattern recognitionPattern recognition Analysis and synthesisAnalysis and synthesis

Good Critical ThinkingGood Critical Thinking

Requires ability to assess premises of Requires ability to assess premises of argumentargument

Premises state the assumptions of logic to Premises state the assumptions of logic to followfollow

They are the starting point of argumentationThey are the starting point of argumentation If the premises are faulty, then the argument If the premises are faulty, then the argument

is alsois also Critical thinking begins with an assessment Critical thinking begins with an assessment

of the premisesof the premises

Kinds of Bad PremisesKinds of Bad Premises

Arguments are fallacious if they are Arguments are fallacious if they are based on the following:based on the following:

A. Unacceptable premisesA. Unacceptable premises– Shaky, dubious, inaccurateShaky, dubious, inaccurate

B. Irrelevant premisesB. Irrelevant premises– No bearing on truth or conclusionNo bearing on truth or conclusion

C. Insufficient premisesC. Insufficient premises– Do not eliminate reasonable doubtDo not eliminate reasonable doubt

False DilemmaFalse Dilemma Either science can explain how a person Either science can explain how a person

was cured of a fatal disease or it was a was cured of a fatal disease or it was a miracle.miracle.

Science can’t explain how he was cured.Science can’t explain how he was cured. Therefore it was a miracle.Therefore it was a miracle. The two alternatives are not exhaustiveThe two alternatives are not exhaustive Since there are other options, the Since there are other options, the

argument is fallaciousargument is fallacious

EquivocationEquivocation It is the duty of the press to publish news It is the duty of the press to publish news

that’s in the public interest.that’s in the public interest. There is great public interest in UFOs.There is great public interest in UFOs. Therefore the press fails in its duty if it does Therefore the press fails in its duty if it does

not publish news about UFOs.not publish news about UFOs. ““Public interest” = public welfarePublic interest” = public welfare ““Public interest” = what public is interested Public interest” = what public is interested

inin Switched meaning invalidates argumentSwitched meaning invalidates argument

CompositionComposition Subatomic particles are lifeless.Subatomic particles are lifeless. Therefore, anything made of them is Therefore, anything made of them is

lifeless.lifeless. Whole may be greater than the sum of its Whole may be greater than the sum of its

parts.parts. Emergent properties (water molecule and Emergent properties (water molecule and

wetness) are importantwetness) are important Fallacy is assuming that what is true of Fallacy is assuming that what is true of

parts is true of whole.parts is true of whole.

DivisionDivision We are alive.We are alive. We are made of sub-atomic particles.We are made of sub-atomic particles. Sub atomic particles are alive.Sub atomic particles are alive. The converse of the fallacy of The converse of the fallacy of

compositioncomposition What is true of the whole is not What is true of the whole is not

necessarily true of the parts.necessarily true of the parts. Components do not equal wholes.Components do not equal wholes.

Appeal to the PersonAppeal to the Person You can’t believe anything Smith says about You can’t believe anything Smith says about

the military.the military. He’s never been in the military.He’s never been in the military. Anything he says about it is suspect.Anything he says about it is suspect. An argument should stand or fall on its An argument should stand or fall on its

merits, not who proposes itmerits, not who proposes it Crazy people can make rational statements & Crazy people can make rational statements &

sane people non-sensesane people non-sense You don’t have to be a pig to be a pig farmer!You don’t have to be a pig to be a pig farmer!

Genetic FallacyGenetic Fallacy The insight about how molecules arrange The insight about how molecules arrange

themselves came from a vision.themselves came from a vision. A vision is not a scientific experiment.A vision is not a scientific experiment. Therefore, the snake biting its tail Therefore, the snake biting its tail

arrangement for benzene molecules is arrangement for benzene molecules is erroneous.erroneous.

The origin of a claim is irrelevant to truth The origin of a claim is irrelevant to truth or falsity.or falsity.

Depends on evidence supporting it.Depends on evidence supporting it.

Appeal to AuthorityAppeal to Authority Linus Pauling won a Nobel Prize.Linus Pauling won a Nobel Prize. Pauling says massive doses of vitamin C Pauling says massive doses of vitamin C

prevents colds, increases life expectancy.prevents colds, increases life expectancy. Therefore I should take lots of vitamin C.Therefore I should take lots of vitamin C. Appeal to celebrity or famous person is Appeal to celebrity or famous person is

not a proof of contention or endorsement.not a proof of contention or endorsement. May be true but the fact that he says so is May be true but the fact that he says so is

irrelevant to proof.irrelevant to proof.

Appeal to the MassesAppeal to the Masses Everybody I know is taking money out of Everybody I know is taking money out of

the stock market.the stock market. Because they are doing it, I should too.Because they are doing it, I should too. Quantity of examples of a behavior is not Quantity of examples of a behavior is not

necessarily proof, just popularity.necessarily proof, just popularity. (“100,000 lemmings can’t be wrong!)(“100,000 lemmings can’t be wrong!) Popularity is not a reliable indicator of Popularity is not a reliable indicator of

reality, truth or value.reality, truth or value.

Appeal to TraditionAppeal to Tradition Astrology has been around for ages.Astrology has been around for ages. Important people believed in its utility—Important people believed in its utility—

(Caesar, Hitler, the Reagans)(Caesar, Hitler, the Reagans) Therefore, there must be something to it.Therefore, there must be something to it. Fact that an idea has been around for a long Fact that an idea has been around for a long

time does not mean it is true or that it should time does not mean it is true or that it should be continued.be continued.

Slavery was a “tradition” before outlawed.Slavery was a “tradition” before outlawed.

Appeal to IgnoranceAppeal to Ignorance Bigfoot must exist because nobody has been Bigfoot must exist because nobody has been

able to prove he doesn’t.able to prove he doesn’t. Inability to prove one thing does not mean Inability to prove one thing does not mean

opposite is true—both may be wrong.opposite is true—both may be wrong. Assumes lack of evidence for one thing is good Assumes lack of evidence for one thing is good

evidence for opposite proposition.evidence for opposite proposition. Lack of evidence proves nothing—necessarily.Lack of evidence proves nothing—necessarily.

Appeal to FearAppeal to Fear If you do not convict this criminal, one of If you do not convict this criminal, one of

you may be the next victim.you may be the next victim. What defendant, even if guilty, has done in What defendant, even if guilty, has done in

the past, is not proof of what he/she will do the past, is not proof of what he/she will do in future.in future.

What someone may do in future does not What someone may do in future does not prove what they did in the past.prove what they did in the past.

Threats extort but don’t necessarily Threats extort but don’t necessarily promote truth.promote truth.

Hasty GeneralizationHasty Generalization I know a professor.I know a professor. He is more than a bit weird.He is more than a bit weird. Academics are oddballs and not to be trusted.Academics are oddballs and not to be trusted. Can’t judge a class of people by observing Can’t judge a class of people by observing

only one—or many.only one—or many. Inference is legitimate only if the sample is Inference is legitimate only if the sample is

representative of the class investigated.representative of the class investigated. There are usually exceptions to There are usually exceptions to

generalizations.generalizations.

Faulty AnalogyFaulty Analogy Astronauts wear helmets and fly in spaceships.Astronauts wear helmets and fly in spaceships. Figures in Mayan carvings seem to be wearing Figures in Mayan carvings seem to be wearing

a helmet and flying in a spaceship.a helmet and flying in a spaceship. Therefore, it is a carving of an ancient Therefore, it is a carving of an ancient

astronaut.astronaut. Carvings may bear greater resemblance to Carvings may bear greater resemblance to

ceremonial headdress and fire.ceremonial headdress and fire. May make false connections in similarities/ May make false connections in similarities/

dissimilarities.dissimilarities.

Faulty CauseFaulty Cause Night follows day.Night follows day. Therefore, day causes night.Therefore, day causes night. Because two events are constantly linked does Because two events are constantly linked does

not mean that one causes the other. not mean that one causes the other. When the US relies on airpower, wars are short.When the US relies on airpower, wars are short. Therefore, the use of precise airpower causes Therefore, the use of precise airpower causes

short wars. short wars. May be other factors involved—causal May be other factors involved—causal

connection assumed, not proven.connection assumed, not proven.

ArgumentationArgumentation

The process of arriving at reasons and The process of arriving at reasons and conclusionsconclusions

Involves marshaling evidence in support Involves marshaling evidence in support of valid statements built on sound of valid statements built on sound premisespremises

Mark Twain’s caution—the American Mark Twain’s caution—the American predilection for confusing law courts and predilection for confusing law courts and revival meetingsrevival meetings

ObjectivityObjectivity

Object (n.)—1. a material thing; 2. a Object (n.)—1. a material thing; 2. a purpose, end or goalpurpose, end or goal

Object (v.)—to be opposed; to feel or Object (v.)—to be opposed; to feel or express disapprovalexpress disapproval

Objective—independent of the mind; realObjective—independent of the mind; real Objectivity—state or quality of being Objectivity—state or quality of being

objective (without bias or prejudice); objective (without bias or prejudice); objective realityobjective reality

CreativeCreative Having the quality or power of creatingHaving the quality or power of creating Resulting from Resulting from originality of thoughtoriginality of thought, ,

expression, etc.expression, etc. Originative, productiveOriginative, productive CREATE--CREATE--

to evolve from one’s own thought to evolve from one’s own thought or or imaginationimagination

to cause to happento cause to happen; bring about; ; bring about; arrange as by intention or designarrange as by intention or design

Thoughts On CreativityThoughts On Creativity Creativity is a lot like golf and sex . . . Creativity is a lot like golf and sex . . .

(doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile)(doesn’t have to be perfect to be worthwhile)

Creativity is rareCreativity is rare Creativity is non-linear, right brainCreativity is non-linear, right brain Creativity is difficultCreativity is difficult Creativity breaks boundariesCreativity breaks boundaries Creativity embraces noveltyCreativity embraces novelty Creativity is play and improvisationCreativity is play and improvisation Creativity emphasizes alternativesCreativity emphasizes alternatives

On The Need For On The Need For Creative ThinkingCreative Thinking

““The most indispensable attribute of the great The most indispensable attribute of the great captain is imagination.”captain is imagination.”

General of the Army General of the Army

Douglas MacArthurDouglas MacArthur

Letter to Liddell Hart, 1959Letter to Liddell Hart, 1959

Your BrainYour BrainLeftLeft RightRight

one thing at a timeone thing at a time linear processinglinear processing sequential operationsequential operation writing & symbolswriting & symbols analysisanalysis logic & reasonlogic & reason mathematicalmathematical verbal memoryverbal memory

integrating inputsintegrating inputs holistic perceptionholistic perception dreamsdreams holistic solutionsholistic solutions synthesissynthesis pattern recognitionpattern recognition intuition, insightintuition, insight visualizingvisualizing

QuestionsQuestions Questions precede answersQuestions precede answers Everything is an answer without a Everything is an answer without a

questionquestion Questions help discriminate among Questions help discriminate among

massive amounts of datamassive amounts of data The “need to know principle”The “need to know principle”

– What do you need to know?What do you need to know?– Why do you need to know it?Why do you need to know it?

The Importance The Importance of Questionsof Questions

Comes form Latin Comes form Latin quaerere quaerere (to ask, to (to ask, to seek)seek)

You are on a quest for meaning and You are on a quest for meaning and understanding when you readunderstanding when you read

If you don’t know where you are going, it If you don’t know where you are going, it doesn’t matter which road you takedoesn’t matter which road you take

Know your direction if not your Know your direction if not your destination when you start your journeydestination when you start your journey

QuestionsQuestions

Who, What, Where, When? (Information)Who, What, Where, When? (Information) How and Why? (Analysis)How and Why? (Analysis) The right questions and the right The right questions and the right

combination of questionscombination of questions The right sequence of questionsThe right sequence of questions The questions generated by your questionsThe questions generated by your questions Ask “why” five timesAsk “why” five times

““Only Connect”Only Connect” To bind or fasten together; join or unite; To bind or fasten together; join or unite; linklink To establish communication betweenTo establish communication between To have as an associated or accompanying To have as an associated or accompanying

featurefeature CONNECTION--CONNECTION--

association; relationshipassociation; relationshipaffiliation, alliance, affiliation, alliance, combinationcombinationjunction, conjunction, unionjunction, conjunction, union

Why Connections Why Connections Are VitalAre Vital

Patterns of thoughtPatterns of thought– deductivedeductive– inductiveinductive

Extend knowledge by linkagesExtend knowledge by linkages– build bridges from what we do know to build bridges from what we do know to

what we don’t knowwhat we don’t know– ““from near to far”from near to far”

Neural networks & synapses in our brain Neural networks & synapses in our brain work in patterns of random connectionswork in patterns of random connections

Your TaskYour Task

““Our challenge in this new century is a Our challenge in this new century is a difficult one; to defend our nation against difficult one; to defend our nation against the unknown, the uncertain, the unseen the unknown, the uncertain, the unseen and the unexpected.”and the unexpected.”

Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of DefenseDonald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense

Confronting The FutureConfronting The Future

Must become comfortable withMust become comfortable with– the unknownthe unknown– the unknown unknownsthe unknown unknowns– the unknowablethe unknowable

Embrace ambiguityEmbrace ambiguity Begin by asking good questionsBegin by asking good questions Accept the tentative, hypotheticalAccept the tentative, hypothetical Relish novelty, the mismatchesRelish novelty, the mismatches Enjoy the processEnjoy the process

AnalogiesAnalogies A partial similarity between like features A partial similarity between like features

of two things on which a comparison may of two things on which a comparison may be basedbe based

A way of building connections A way of building connections and and finding finding patterns of similaritypatterns of similarity– structuresstructures– functionsfunctions

Types of analogies: personal, direct, Types of analogies: personal, direct, symbolic and fantasysymbolic and fantasy

AnalogiesAnalogies Personal--imagine you are a wall covering--What fears Personal--imagine you are a wall covering--What fears

do you have? What could hurt you?do you have? What could hurt you? Development of fire retardant, non-toxic itemsDevelopment of fire retardant, non-toxic items

Direct--George de Mestral & burrs--How do they cling Direct--George de Mestral & burrs--How do they cling to clothes, dogs?to clothes, dogs?

Make a great fastener--VELCRO!Make a great fastener--VELCRO!

Symbolic--Snake swallowing its tail--Friederich von Symbolic--Snake swallowing its tail--Friederich von Kukule & benzene moleculesKukule & benzene molecules

Ring structure of aromatic compoundsRing structure of aromatic compounds

AnalogiesAnalogies

Fantasy Analogies--You become maker of your Fantasy Analogies--You become maker of your own worldown world

Escape hide bound notions and limitationsEscape hide bound notions and limitations– Limited only by imagination & creativityLimited only by imagination & creativity

Example--How could navy improve security, Example--How could navy improve security, reduce costs and minimize risk to human life at reduce costs and minimize risk to human life at sub bases?sub bases?

Train dolphins--cheap, non-human, better sonar Train dolphins--cheap, non-human, better sonar detection, can communicatedetection, can communicate

Forced AssociationsForced Associations

A way of making connections among A way of making connections among supposedly disparate items to see what supposedly disparate items to see what one can learn about each of them and one can learn about each of them and what new combinations may emergewhat new combinations may emerge

Examples--Examples--– Animals and weapons systems—Animals and weapons systems—

AFRL does this routinely—engineer the AFRL does this routinely—engineer the organic and make the organic engineeredorganic and make the organic engineered

Animals & Animals & Weapon SystemsWeapon Systems

Turtles--Turtles--– Mobile, armored--TANKSMobile, armored--TANKS

Birds--Birds--– Flight gives height, range, responsiveness--Flight gives height, range, responsiveness--

PLANESPLANES Hummingbirds--Hummingbirds--

– Can hover, move backward--HELICOPTERSCan hover, move backward--HELICOPTERS Bats--Bats--

– ““see” by sound in darkness--SONARsee” by sound in darkness--SONAR

AnswersAnswers

n.—Something said or written in response to a n.—Something said or written in response to a question; the solution to a problemquestion; the solution to a problem

vt.—to reply to; to respond to a signal; to fulfill vt.—to reply to; to respond to a signal; to fulfill satisfactorilysatisfactorily

vi.—to reply in words or by action; to react to a vi.—to reply in words or by action; to react to a stimulus; to serve the purpose, be sufficient; satisfy stimulus; to serve the purpose, be sufficient; satisfy in detail the question askedin detail the question asked

There are no answers without questions—make sure There are no answers without questions—make sure you know what the question is that the answer you know what the question is that the answer relates torelates to

Miscellaneous facts are NOT answersMiscellaneous facts are NOT answers

Thinking & WinningThinking & Winning

YOUR MIND IS YOUR MOST YOUR MIND IS YOUR MOST IMPORTANT WEAPON--IMPORTANT WEAPON--– With a good one, other weapons are more With a good one, other weapons are more

useful, sometimes unnecessaryuseful, sometimes unnecessary– With a poor one, other weapons are With a poor one, other weapons are

useless to achieve victoryuseless to achieve victory– You must learn confront the unknown, the You must learn confront the unknown, the

uncertain and the unknowableuncertain and the unknowable– Exercise your brain as well as your bodyExercise your brain as well as your body

The Bottom Line—The Bottom Line—Hammond’s LawsHammond’s Laws

You are only as good as your mind--it is You are only as good as your mind--it is your best weapon for survivalyour best weapon for survival

Knowledge is a force multiplier and the Knowledge is a force multiplier and the key to successful adaptationkey to successful adaptation

Learning how to think quickly and well is Learning how to think quickly and well is more important than learning what to more important than learning what to think—learn how to learn for yourselfthink—learn how to learn for yourself

POINT TO PONDERPOINT TO PONDER

““When we fight the next war, I hope we do When we fight the next war, I hope we do it from the neck up instead of from the it from the neck up instead of from the neck down.”neck down.”

Jimmy DoolittleJimmy Doolittle

So . . .So . . .

This is no bull—it is central to your This is no bull—it is central to your competence, regardless of your service, competence, regardless of your service, career field, assignment or missioncareer field, assignment or mission

You must PRACTICE good thinking You must PRACTICE good thinking skills—they don’t happen by accidentskills—they don’t happen by accident

If you don’t do it, it won’t get doneIf you don’t do it, it won’t get done If not now, when? If not here where? If If not now, when? If not here where? If

not you, who?not you, who?

BOOKS ON THINKINGBOOKS ON THINKING

Roger van Oech Roger van Oech – A Kick in the Seat of the PantsA Kick in the Seat of the Pants– A Whack on the Side of the HeadA Whack on the Side of the Head

Michael Michalko, Michael Michalko, ThinkertoysThinkertoys Michael J. Gelb,Michael J. Gelb, How to Think Like How to Think Like

Leonardo DaVinciLeonardo DaVinci David Hackett Fischer, Historians’ Historians’

FallaciesFallacies