great thinkers, great ideas

Epistemology and Logic 31

problem solving, and writing skills have become abundantly
available for students at every level.
Beyond the ability to think clearly is a need to put those
thoughts into writing. Often, writing itself is an excellent means
to develop thinking skills. A very simple device which can help
develop some ability in putting one’s thoughts on paper in an
organized manner is called the “resolve.” This method is espe­
cially good in writing expositions. It employs the classical
dictum “Define Your Terms.” Take any assertion and apply the
following outline.
I — Statement
II —Define any vague or ambiguous terms in the statement
III —Restate the proposition according to the redefinition
IV — A) State one fact to defend the statement

1. Give evidence to support the fact A


2. Give more evidence to support the fact A
   B) State another fact to defend the statement


3. Give evidence to support the fact B


4. Give more evidence to support the fact B
   V — Conclude by affirming the proposition in III
   The evidence in the body of the resolve— IV, A, 1, 2; B, 1,2—
   can negate the statement that appears in III, allowing for the
   conclusion not to affirm but to deny the proposition.
   Like the syllogism, the resolve is a rigid form and not
   particularly given to inspire the creative impulses. It is, however,
   a dialectical process; thus if we employ the “walk before we run”
   philosophy, within this concept, creativity can begin and hope­
   fully develop along with the ability to think clearly and write
   well.
   Thinking skills and writing ability can be greatly improved if
   one has an understanding of the syllogism and the resolve. There
   are, as stated before, several valuable methods which can be used
   to help develop critical thinking skills. But the most valuable
   asset a person can have is the disposition to meet problems with
   a critical, systematic, reasonable approach to the solution. In
   Chapter Four we will discuss fallacies, many of which will be
   easy to discern as erroneous contentions. The “why” of those
   errors should challenge your critical thinking skills.