The Art of Clear Thinking
The Art of Clear Thinking
One important skill is the art of clear thinking.
For this you need to be able to separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible".
Many people think there are only two kinds of statement:
- True statements
- False statements
In fact, there are FOUR classifications of statements:
- True
- False
- Possible and
- Arbitrary
True.
Defined as "a statement where all the available evidence supports the statement and none contradicts it.
Example: You are reading this article.
False.
Defined as "a statement where all the evidence contradicts the statement. There is none to support it.
Example: You are NOT reading this article.
Possible.
Defined as "a statement where there is some available evidence to support it but not enough to be labelled true"
Example: Mankind's carbon emissions are affecting the world climate.
Arbitrary.
Defined as "a statement where the statement is conceivable, but there is no evidence to suggest it is actually true."
Example: There is a burglar hiding in your house, right now!
Identifying the arbitrary from the possible.
It is vital that you separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible".
DO NOT confuse ARBITRARY statements and think of them as being POSSIBLE.
Do not make the almost universal error of accepting "arbitrary" (ie conceivable but with no evidence to support it) statements, as having the same status as "possible" (ie as having evidence to support it).
If you make this error you will have joined the other 99% of the world's population who are confused by this.
Separate the "arbitrary" from the "possible"
Imagine someone says to you:
"Is it possible there is a burglar lying in wait under your bed right now?"
"Is it possible that your partner is cheating on you when he/she goes out in the evening?"
"Is it possible that you might crash your car on your way home tonight and die?"
If you reply "yes - it is possible" you will cause yourself unnecessary worry.
The correct reply is "That is a conceivable, but arbitrary statement. What evidence have you got?"
Summary
Remember, there are four kinds of statement, not just true and false, but also possible and arbitrary.
Challenge other people who make arbitrary statements and claim "it is possible". Learn to say in response: "That is a conceivable, but arbitrary statement. What evidence have you got?"
Avoid blurting out your own arbitrary statements. Doing so can make you sound naïve.
Stop yourself from creating arbitrary fears (conceivable but without evidence) and reacting to them as if they were "possible" (ie statements with evidence to back them).
Do this and you will think more accurately and rest more soundly.
Definition: arbitrary statement
In critical thinking, an arbitrary statement is a kind of claim you can imagine but for which no proof exists yet; no facts support it, yet none disprove it either. Because it stands on zero proof, clear thinkers give it no weight until real evidence arrives.
Show CG4D Definition
- Is an imaginable claim about reality
- Has zero supporting evidence at the time of the claim
- Lacks evidence that proves it false
- Gives no sound base for action until proof appears
Article Summary
Clear thinking means testing each claim for proof and sorting it as true, false, possible or arbitrary; when you treat ideas with no proof as noise, fear drops and choices improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that frequently get asked about this topic during our training sessions.
What is the main rule of clear thinking described in the article?
How do I tell a possible statement from an arbitrary one?
Why can mixing up possible and arbitrary ideas raise worry?
Can you give a quick test for true versus false statements?
What question should I ask when someone gives an unproved claim?
Does the article say I must reject every arbitrary claim forever?
How does using the four-type model improve daily decisions?
Thought of something that's not been answered? Ask Us Today!
Did You Know: Key Statistics
The 2024 LinkedIn Learning report says need for critical thinking skills rose by 158% in the last year, making it one of the top three skills bosses seek worldwide. Ofcom’s Online Nation 2024 study found 38% of UK adults felt worry last year because they could not tell if information they saw online was true.About the Author: Chris Farmer
Chris Farmer is the founder of the Corporate Coach Group and has many years' experience in training leaders and managers, in both the public and private sectors, to achieve their organisational goals, especially during tough economic times. He is also well aware of the disciplines and problems associated with running a business.
Over the years, Chris has designed and delivered thousands of training programmes and has coached and motivated many management teams, groups and individuals. His training programmes are both structured and clear, designed to help delegates organise their thinking and, wherever necessary, to improve their techniques and skills.
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