1.3.3: Lateral Thinking
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"lateral thinking" by de² is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Lateral thinking is a powerful approach that enhances critical thinking and writing by encouraging innovative and unconventional solutions to problems. Coined by Edward de Bono, lateral thinking involves looking at issues from new and diverse perspectives, moving beyond traditional linear thinking.
Understanding Lateral Thinking
Lateral thinking breaks away from standard patterns of thought, prompting individuals to explore alternative angles and create original solutions. It contrasts with vertical thinking, which follows logical, step-by-step reasoning. In writing and critical analysis, lateral thinking can lead to more creative and insightful outcomes.
Example: Creative Problem Solving in Writing Imagine you are writing an essay on reducing urban traffic congestion. Instead of only considering common solutions like expanding public transportation, lateral thinking might lead you to explore more innovative ideas, such as incentivizing remote work, creating car-free zones, or implementing urban cable cars. This broadened perspective can make your writing more engaging and original.
Practical Application
Example: Overcoming Writer's Block Lateral thinking can be especially useful for overcoming writer's block. Instead of forcing a linear progression in your writing, you might use techniques like freewriting, mind mapping, or even taking a break to engage in a different activity that stimulates creativity. This approach can help you generate new ideas and find fresh angles for your writing.
Example: Developing Unique Arguments In a critical thinking exercise, such as debating the merits of a controversial policy, lateral thinking encourages you to consider unexpected viewpoints. For example, rather than arguing solely from economic or ethical perspectives, you might also explore cultural, psychological, or environmental implications, adding depth and originality to your argument.
Conclusion
Lateral thinking enriches critical thinking and writing by fostering creativity and innovation. By challenging conventional thought patterns and exploring diverse perspectives, you can develop unique solutions and more compelling arguments. This approach not only enhances your problem-solving skills but also makes your writing more dynamic and engaging.
Attributions
The above section was remixed from
- Introductory Composition, Basic Reading and Writing by Lumen, Module 1: Success Skills, Section 1.3 Critical Thinking by Lumen Learning, under CC BY NC SA.
- 1.3: Critical Thinking is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Lumen Learning.
- Advanced Composition, Critical Thinking by Andrew Gurevich, Section 1.2 Creative and Critical Thinking, under CC BY
- 1.2: Week 2 - Creative and Critical Thinking is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Andrew Gurevich (MHCC Library Press)
- 1.3: Critical thinking is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Melissa Ashman (KPUOpen) .
- 1.3: Glance at Critical Response- Rhetoric and Critical Thinking is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by OpenStax via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform; a detailed edit history is available upon request.
- 2.4: The Art of Rhetoric is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Athena Kashyap & Erika Dyquisto (ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative) .