Argument trees
- This thinking framework can be used as a graphic organizer to list out different perspectives regarding a single topic.
- Record and categorize various perspectives and arguments
- Lean structure of an argument tree
- Identify key points in a discussion
- Identify logical links between arguments made
- Each argument tree should look somewhat like this:
Issue (In the form of a question)
/ | \
/ | \
/ | \
Perspective 1 Perspective 2 Perspective 3
| | |
| | |
Objections Objections Objections
| | |
| | |
Defence Defence Defence
* This is tool is especially useful when planning your arguments for application questions or argumentative essays.
- If you are unsure about what 3 perspectives are present in the issue, you may also choose to let Perspective 1 be "yes", Perspective 2 be "maybe", and Perspective 3 be "no"
- Under "maybe", you may also include the mitigating factors that decide the circumstances that would cause "yes" or "no" to have a stronger argument, and why. That way, you may also us the argument tree as a thinking framework for discursive essays.
Paul's wheel of reasoning
Cort thinking tools
1. PMI (Plus, Minus, Interesting)
Instead of saying whether you like an idea or not, state the good points first, then the bad, then the points which are neither good nor bad but interesting. Plus points refer to the pros, advantages or positive points. Minus points are those which are cons, disadvantages or negative points.
Instead of saying whether you like an idea or not, state the good points first, then the bad, then the points which are neither good nor bad but interesting. Plus points refer to the pros, advantages or positive points. Minus points are those which are cons, disadvantages or negative points.
2. CAF (Consider All Facotrs)
When you have to choose or make a decision about something or just think about something, you have to consider many factors. CAF is also useful when applied to other people's ideas. You may consider to use this tool by drawing the main idea or issue in the middle of a piece of paper, drawing lines outwards to the factors.
When you have to choose or make a decision about something or just think about something, you have to consider many factors. CAF is also useful when applied to other people's ideas. You may consider to use this tool by drawing the main idea or issue in the middle of a piece of paper, drawing lines outwards to the factors.
3. C & S ( Consequences and Sequence)
In thinking about an action or proposing a line of action, the consequences should always be considered . These include short-term, mid-term and long-term consequences.
In thinking about an action or proposing a line of action, the consequences should always be considered . These include short-term, mid-term and long-term consequences.
4. AGO (Aims, Goals, Objectives)
It can help our thinking is we know exactly what we are trying to achieve. AGO can also help us to understand other people's thinking by considering their objectives.
It can help our thinking is we know exactly what we are trying to achieve. AGO can also help us to understand other people's thinking by considering their objectives.
5. FIP (First Important Priorities)
In thinking about a situation, after a number of ideas have been generated, we have to decide which ones are the most important ones. After doing a PMI, CAF, AGO or CS, do an FIP to pick out the ones that should be given priority.
In thinking about a situation, after a number of ideas have been generated, we have to decide which ones are the most important ones. After doing a PMI, CAF, AGO or CS, do an FIP to pick out the ones that should be given priority.
6. APC (Alternatives, Possibilities, Choices)
When we make decisions, we may think that we do not have the choices at our disposal. Think again and we may find more alternatives than we thought.
When we make decisions, we may think that we do not have the choices at our disposal. Think again and we may find more alternatives than we thought.
7. OPV (Other People's Views)
It is a very important part of thinking to consider how others think and try to see things from their viewpoint. *This is important for a balance essay, especially those views that are in contrast to our own.*
It is a very important part of thinking to consider how others think and try to see things from their viewpoint. *This is important for a balance essay, especially those views that are in contrast to our own.*
other strategies
S -- Society, Science & Technology
P -- Personal (Individual), Politics, Philosophy
E -- Education, Economics, Environment
R -- Religion
M -- Moral Values, Mass Media
P -- Personal (Individual), Politics, Philosophy
E -- Education, Economics, Environment
R -- Religion
M -- Moral Values, Mass Media
2P -- Psychological, Physical
I --Intellectual
E -- Emotional, Economic
S -- Social, Spiritual
I --Intellectual
E -- Emotional, Economic
S -- Social, Spiritual
6Wolves -- Where, When, What, Who, Why, Which
1Horse -- How
1Horse -- How
I -- Individual
C -- Community
S -- Society
G -- Globe
C -- Community
S -- Society
G -- Globe
future problem solving categories
Business & Commerce: Recreation, Basic Needs
Transportation: Government & Politics, Defense
Social Relationships: Ethics & Religion, Economics
Environment: Arts & Aesthetics, Law & Justice
Education: Physical Health, Communication
Technology: Psychological Health, Miscellaneous
Transportation: Government & Politics, Defense
Social Relationships: Ethics & Religion, Economics
Environment: Arts & Aesthetics, Law & Justice
Education: Physical Health, Communication
Technology: Psychological Health, Miscellaneous