Honing the Circle of Thought

The Circle of Thought:

I’m studying psychology. I try to practice relating my learning to everyday life. There are times that doesn’t happen...after all, I don’t experience every mental illness I learn about, I don’t psychoanalyze every person I see, and some nights, I just didn’t sleep enough. Sleeping on books, unfortunately, does NOT induce magical theory osmosis (believe me, I’ve tried...mostly unintentionally.)

But there are things that do stick. Once course last semester introduced me to a model called the Circle of Thought.

The purpose of this model is to describe the basic biological purpose of thought: to Describe, Elaborate, Decide, Plan and Guide Action.

If there’s any question that’s important for me to answer, it’s the most basic, as well as the most aggravating: WHY?

Answering that question is not a mere endeavour in esoterics, nor a way for toddlers to frustrate parents. When we ask ourselves that question and (this is important!) do so specifically with an eye for what’s relevant for life, the answers will then aid our living.

How does that apply to this case?

Everyone thinks, and I’m fairly certain that everyone knows that they think. Thinking is as inescapable as our bodies themselves. And we, fortunate beings that we are, have a unique quality as yet unobserved in any other animal: self-awareness. We can examine our own thoughts, giving us the ability to modify them.

But why do we think in the first place?

What is the purpose of thought?

The Circle of Thought model here provides an answer grounded in scientific thinking: our thoughts exist to describe, elaborate, decide, plan and guide action. Once sensations and perceptions enter our minds, thoughts make meaning of those sensations and perceptions, and help us act accordingly. Fortunately, describing, elaborating, decision-making, planning and guiding action are not just biological purposes! They are also skills, and skills can be developed.

Here are the basic definitions:

I) Describe: To give an account in words of (someone or something), including all the relevant characteristics, qualities, or events.
II) Elaborate: To develop or present (a theory, policy, or system) in detail.
III) Decide: To come to a resolution in the mind as a result of consideration.

IV) Plan: To decide on and arrange in advance.
V) Guide: To direct or have an influence on the course of action of (someone or something).

Given that 1) thought is crucial to live, 2) Self-awareness grants us the capacity to observe and modify our thinking, and 3) these are also skills that can be developed, I find it important to be aware of these five skills of thought, and to consciously hone them.

What do YOU think about this model describing the purpose of thought? Are you aware of how you think? How could you use this model to help you think more clearly?

For some further elaboration (heh) watch this: