The Method

This is the third post in a series, the topic of which is “thinking.” If you have not read the first or second posts I encourage you to do so before continuing.

Before we move on it seems appropriate to briefly summarize what has been said in previous posts. As it relates to The Catalyst of Confidence, the concept of thinking broadly refers to the examination of causal relationships. A crucial component of such thinking is that it is inherently teleological in that it is always directed toward a specific end or good in the mind of the individual. In other words, causal relationships are not examined “just because” or for “no reason,” but rather, for the purpose of attaining a desired good. While the goods which our thoughts are directed toward always “appear” to be real or genuine goods, in fact, they may or may not be. By evaluating both the short-term (immediate) and long-term (forthcoming) effects of a good, a person is better able to discern whether or not the goods they are directing their energies toward are real or merely apparent. And while poor choices in goods tends to focus solely on short-term effects, beneficial choices tend to focus on effects in both the short- and long-term, with an emphasis on the latter.

Up to this point, our posts have put forward a lot of theory, but how can a person actually apply this information? How does a person go about putting this information into practice? To answer these questions and others we must, oddly enough, look to the natural sciences. At present, the best possible way that I have found to apply this information is to start by utilizing a basic scientific method, which I will adapt and describe below. This method consists of three steps: observing, hypothesizing and experimenting.

1. Observing

Observing refers to the observation of various elements in one's current circumstances. Naturally some circumstances may be evaluated as good and satisfactory, but it is likely that others, like a burnt hand, for instance, will be judged as less beneficial. It is the second category of circumstances, those which are deemed unsatisfactory, with which we concern ourselves. These are specific conditions which we would like to eliminate and/or replace with those of a more desirable nature. This leads us to our second step.

2. Hypothesizing

Once an unsatisfactory circumstance is identified a person can begin to determine it's cause and/or remedy. This is done through a form of speculation known as hypothesizing. Hypothesizing is closely linked with observation, as it refers to the examination of causal relationships so as to determine the root cause of a given unsatisfactory circumstance, and if appropriate, it's remedy.

3. Experimenting

When a possible cause or remedy is identified a person may then begin taking action in order to correct the problem or unsatisfactory circumstance. Performing actions which are directed toward the correction of an unsatisfactory circumstance is known as experimenting. Experimenting is basically an attempt to fix the problem. It then becomes necessary to begin observing the results of our actions. If our initial attempts fail, we can begin re-examining the situation by hypothesizing which may then be followed up by further experimentation.

Thus, through trial and error, a person is able to utilize this method to identify an adverse condition, it's cause and/or remedy, and ultimately eliminate and/or replace it through their own efforts. I will continue to elaborate in the future.