What are some tools and techniques I can use to become a better critical thinker? I asked my friend the other day what he got out of his tier-1 education and he said it taught him how to 'think through problems'. What exactly did his professors teach him about critical thinking? If I memorize the logical fallacies or make a pro's and con's list will I be a better thinker? Is 'going with your gut' an approved tactic in this pursuit? What things do you do to think through a problem and come up with rock solid plans, decisions, and recommendations?
posted by jasondigitized on Oct 26, 2009 - 16 answers

I remember doing a discussion activity/thought experiment in high school where we had to choose 6-8 people from a list (e.g. pregnant teen, scientist, priest, stay-at-home mom, doctor) to save in a nuclear apocalypse and justify our decision. There was a paper handout associated with the activity, and I'm pretty sure my teacher didn't write it himself, because I've talked to friends who've done the same thing in a different context (church groups, retreats, etc. ). I'm looking for a link to a copy of this activity, or a place where I'd be able to find it.
posted by jeisme on Oct 11, 2009 - 3 answers

How can I become more opinionated? [more inside]
posted by The Biggest Dreamer on Sep 19, 2009 - 29 answers

So, what are the universally accepted axioms in philosophy, if any? [more inside]
posted by TheOtherSide on Sep 10, 2009 - 26 answers

Suggested reading about the life and teachings of Confucius? I've read the article at Wikipedia and seen the reading list there, but would love some personal recommendations. [more inside]
posted by sambosambo on Jun 16, 2009 - 4 answers

I´m a week into a monthlong solo walk, and I´m consequently spending a lot of time thinking. I´m looking for some interesting ways to structure this thinking... meditation, thought problems, etc. Any suggestions? [more inside]
posted by acidic on Jun 4, 2009 - 15 answers

I am looking for writings on mimesis in regards new, digital, hypertext and hypermedial technologies and cultures. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Feb 16, 2009 - 7 answers

Previously on AskMe: a whole bunch of questions about how to think more, better, etc. But what if I'm finding myself not interested in deliberative thinking? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 20, 2009 - 9 answers

I have just realized that I am appallingly bad at abstract thought. Anytime I need to solve a problem that requires higher-level abstract thinking, I am unable to do so. So, for example, if I see an argument spelled out in symbols, I have to translate those symbols into real-world terms for me to understand them. What can I do to gradually improve my ability to handle abstract thoughts and ideas in my brain. [more inside]
posted by leybman on Dec 17, 2008 - 9 answers

How do you know if you're doing the right thing? [more inside]
posted by concourse on Nov 27, 2008 - 31 answers

When I'm sober and attempting to kill a fly, I can't hit it in time. When I'm tipsy, I swat it easily. In reading and conversation, I make connections sooner when drunk than when sober. I've always heard that alcoholism slows reaction time ... so what gives? NOTE: My drunken spelling and grammar errors definitely increase when drunk. Are various functions affected differently by alcohol?
posted by coizero on Sep 1, 2008 - 21 answers

I want software which will allow me to capture text thoughts at work, to a remote web location - quickly, discreetly and privately. [more inside]
posted by therubettes on Apr 24, 2008 - 41 answers

I am looking for online magazines to submit art/literature/experimental/fun articles to. I think 'The Believer' magazine is a good example of the type I crave. UK based would be best, but not completely necessary. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Apr 23, 2008 - 9 answers

So I enjoy books that are an elaboration on theoretical taxonomies such as Roget's International Thesaurus (not the dictionary style) and A Pattern Language. What other books or websites might I enjoy in this vein? Taxonomies on birds or plants are interesting, but I'm looking for things that aren't immediately obvious.
posted by bigmusic on Mar 30, 2008 - 17 answers

Help me think in terms of programming metaphors. [more inside]
posted by Burhanistan on Jan 23, 2008 - 8 answers

I need solid scientific evidence that thought can change matter - how consciousness effects DNA structure, patterns and ultimately reality. Charts, studies, videos, all is welcome as a way of viewing and understanding how the mind's energy works in relation to physical matter. Thank you so much.
posted by watercarrier on Nov 7, 2007 - 51 answers

I love podcasts, but it very difficult to find new, quality programs. I am looking for broadcasted material on a range of topics - including philosophy, the mind, avantgarde arts and lectures by creative, original thinkers (see my list of current podcasts for detail)... Can you help? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on May 31, 2007 - 20 answers

What experiments have been carried out where animals perform better than us at particular cognitive tasks? [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on May 9, 2006 - 13 answers

What is the nature of the relationship between thought and language? [more inside]
posted by Frankieist on Apr 10, 2006 - 30 answers

The Great Books: where should I start? I seek timeless wisdom. [more inside]
posted by evariste on Feb 21, 2006 - 74 answers

I am trying to make a list of big new ideas. [more inside]
posted by Hildago on Feb 15, 2006 - 15 answers

I'm bored that I default to seeing problems, decisions and my life in general in a linear way. How can I reprogram my mind, and to do what?
posted by forallmankind on May 14, 2005 - 21 answers