Cognitive Concepts

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Intuition

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Definition: Relying on gut feelings, emotions, or instincts to guide decisions.

Problem: Can be wrong due to cognitive and motivational biases rather than logical reasoning.

Example: Feeling that someone is lying based on their behavior.

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Authority

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Definition: Accepting ideas because authority figures state they are true. Sources: Parents, media, doctors, religious authorities, government, professors.

Problem: Authorities may be wrong, use intuition, or have reasons to mislead.

Example: Following advice simply because a celebrity endorses it.

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Rationalism

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Definition: Using logic and reasoning to acquire knowledge. Follows logical rules from stated premises to reach conclusions. Problem: If premises are wrong or logic is flawed, conclusions will be invalid.

Example: "All swans are white; this is a swan; therefore, this swan is white."

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Empiricism

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Definition: Acquiring knowledge through observation and experience. Problem: Senses can deceive us; limited by what we can observe.

Example: Believing all swans are white because you’ve only seen white swans.

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Common Sense

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Definition: Folk psychology; intuitive beliefs about behavior.

Problem: Often incorrect. Example: "Letting anger out" actually increases anger.

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Tenacity

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Definition: Holding onto beliefs despite contradictory evidence.

Problem: Not subject to scientific method & not empirical. Subject to error.

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Mysticism

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Definition: Knowledge through spiritual or supernatural means.

Problem: Like tenacity, this is not subject to scientific method & not empirical. Subject to error.

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Empirical

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Knowledge based on experience, observation, and quantitative data. Data used to develop, support, or challenge theories.

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Objective

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Free from bias, opinion, preferences, and values. Means of approximating/discovering Truth.

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Theory-driven

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Based on general principles explaining why and how things occur. Theories are broad explanations that organize and predict observations.