The Eight Stages of Understanding

The Eight Stages of Understanding.

Problem-solving is a broad category of intellectual activities. It requires knowledge of multiple sorts as outlined below. It is part of the pyramid of understanding, but a seriously important part. However, most of us can have successful careers having only problem-solving skills. Higher-order understanding is more significant in the world of theories and ideas, the meaning of solutions, and how they fit into the intellectual scheme. The list below is reminiscent of Bloom’s Taxonomy, but refined for our purposes. One of our tools for problem-solving, used by all, is at the very base. One can’t know everything, and we’re never protected from it. Thus ignorance, and how we deal with it, is in everyone’s world.

· Ignorance: lacking knowledge or awareness.

· Awareness: awareness that there is something unknown or not understood.

· Knowledge: acquisition of factual information and concepts related to the subject.

· Comprehension: understanding the meaning and significance of the acquired knowledge. Reading and study fit here.

· Application: ability to use knowledge and understanding in practical or real-world situations. Problem-solving starts here and includes the following stages.

· Analysis: ability to break down complex ideas or information into their component parts.

· Synthesis: ability to integrate various pieces of information, ideas, or concepts to create a new understanding or perspective.

· Evaluation: involves critically assessing information, ideas, or arguments.

While stated in a list, the bottom half is not necessarily linear structurally. The points are developed in bits and pieces. For example, after problem-solving one may move directly to an evaluation of the solution in light of the knowledge of the subject. As we will see, problem-solving is more than just finding a solution. It is a continuing test of that knowledge as to validity and reliability.

Before continuing, let’s consider ignorance. We all have it - about many things. What to do about solving a problem? For example, you come to a “T” on the road and don’t know which way to turn. Flipping a coin is a typical answer. You have a worker at the office who’s preoccupied with something and you know not what. You discuss matters with the worker but learn little. What to do? Sometimes, simple patience may be the key. Call this judgment from ignorance, or a hunch, or something. But you never know. Human problems can be horrible. We can solve them sometimes but never know why.

On the other hand, by the time our children are raised, we can reflect on our experience and integrate how its various components give a new and better understanding of parenting. That is, synthesis arrives. Here, the familiar maxim applies. “Parenting is the worst teacher. It gives the exam first, and then the lesson.”

UNCERTAINTY IS CERTAIN

Uncertainty is Certain G. Donald Allen 12/12/2024 1. Introduction . This short essay is about uncertainty in people from both secular and nonsecular viewpoints. One point that will emerge is that randomly based uncertainty can be a driver for religious structure. Many groups facing uncertainty about their future are deeply religious or rely on faith as a source of comfort, resilience, and guidance. The intersection of uncertainty and religiosity often stems from the human need to find meaning, hope, and stability in the face of unpredictable or challenging circumstances. We first take up the connections of uncertainty to religion for the first real profession, farming, noting that hunting has many similar uncertainties. Below are groups that commonly lean on religious beliefs amidst uncertainty. This short essay is a follow-up to a previous piece on certainty (https://used-ideas.blogspot.com/2024/12/certainty-is-also-emotion.html). U...

CERTAINTY IS ALSO AN EMOTION

Certainty is also a Feeling Certainty is often viewed as a mental state tied to knowledge and confidence, but it also functions as a feeling with distinct emotional and physiological components. While it arises from cognitive processes, certainty also has a subjective and emotional quality that makes it more than just a rational judgment. It provides a sense of assurance and security that shapes human experience in profound ways. Emotional Dimension . At its core, certainty evokes emotions that influence how we perceive and interact with the world. When someone feels certain, they often experience relief, comfort, or empowerment. These emotions are particularly strong when uncertainty or doubt is resolved, offering a sense of closure. For example, solving a complex problem or having a belief validated by evidence brings not just intellectual satisfaction but also emotional reassurance. Subjectivity. Certainty is inherently personal and subjective. It depends on individual...

Lies, Deceit, and the National Agenda

The world you grew up in is no more. The world of reasonable honesty and reasonable lies has been replaced by abject dishonesty and blatant lies. Lies. Yes. People have always told them. You have told them; so have I. We need lies; they are a foundational structure of social living. They both deceive and protect. Children tell them to their parents to avoid consequences, like punishment. Adults tell them to their bosses, to enhance their position and/or avoid consequences of poor performance. Our bosses tell them to their boards to suggest business is good, the project is on target, or the detractors are wrong. The boards tell them to shareholders to protect their own credibility and most importantly, stock values. Our politicians tell lies to their constituents, though sometimes innocently with them not actually knowing much more than they've been told. They enhance their positio...

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