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Divergent ThinkingDivergent Thinking is thinking outward instead of inward. It is the ability to develop original and unique ideas and then develop a problem solution or achieve an objective. It also uses knowledge and logic. This is an excerpt from the book: Mastering Critical Thinking
Albert Einstein was a strong, divergent thinker. He asked simple questions and used mental exercises to solve problems. For example, as a young man, Einstein asked himself what riding on a beam of light would be like. After many years of thought experiments, he came up with ideas that guided him in developing the special theory of relativity. A thought experiment is a hypothetical situation in which a theory, hypothesis, or principle is explored to think through its consequences and provide a potential solution. Years later, Einstein improved on this theory to take gravity into effect in his equations and developed the general theory of relativity. Many physicists are still stunned and awed by Einstein's ability to develop his general theory concept using thought experiments. Standard IQ tests gauge convergent thinking. Pattern recognition, testing knowledge, logical thought flow, and the ability to solve problems can all be tested and graded. No accurate tests can measure divergent thinking skills, which isn’t surprising. Who is More Creative?How would one construct a test to determine divergent thinking capabilities? Did Leonardo da Vinci's creation of the Mona Lisa take more brain power than Albert Einstein's equation E= mc²? Is the design of the Opera House in Sydney, Australia, more creative than Margaret Mitchell's novel Gone with the Wind? Is Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein more inspired than Salvador Dali's painting of the melting clocks? Who's to say which of these examples is more creative? Does public opinion decide how much creativity is required for something, or is it in the eye of the beholder? These interesting philosophical questions are enjoyable to talk about at parties; however, they aren't useful for discovering how to think creatively. A more useful question is: How can convergent and divergent thinking be improved and utilized to strengthen your thinking skills? Convergent and divergent thinking skills are both important to critical thinking. And they are interrelated. Two Sides of the Same Coin - Convergent thinking uses deductive reasoning that looks inward to find a solution. Divergent thinking looks outward for a solution. Following the facts and data to determine the solution to a problem is not significantly different than having a spark of thought and then coming up with a solution. Some of the same mental processes are used. Both require critical thinking skills to be effective. Both are used for solving problems, doing projects, and achieving objectives. In other words, convergent and divergent thinking skills are two sides to the same coin of critical thinking. One without the other doesn't make sense. Both start with asking simple questions from a curious and open mind. Both can be strengthened by an insatiable curiosity and a strong willingness to learn about the world and people. Improving Divergent Thinking Skills - Schooling helps to train the mind in problem-solving of the convergent type. However, it tends to dampen or inhibit divergent thinking skills, except for good teachers—and there are many. IQ tests frequently have the same effect. They tend to motivate those who do well on convergent thinking skill tests but un-motivate others who don't do as well. Howard Gardner states: "Intelligence tests rarely assess skill in assimilating new information or in solving new problems. This bias toward "crystallized" rather than "fluid" knowledge can have some astounding consequences." The Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky said: "Intelligence tests fail to yield any indication of an individual's "zone of potential." The case for strengthening both convergent and divergent thinking skills is strong. The tools, techniques, and methods explored in this book are designed to help you improve your convergent and divergent critical thinking skills.
Do you want to unlock the power of critical thinking and create an amazing future? If so, click the link and get your copy of Mastering Critical Thinking today!
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