Reasoning Discussion

What are your thoughts on the content of this discussion below as it relates to reasoning? Do you agree or disagree? Why

This person will compare and contrast the four approaches to reasoning, and explain how the context of the problem can influence the choice of approach to use. They will describe a time when they experienced functional fixedness in trying to solve a problem.

This is their discussion:

Reasoning is guided by the content of the tasks or formal structure. It is realized that content is crucial for understanding how we actually do reason. However, content-independent logic is the bases for how we should reason. In all four theoretical approaches to reasoning: availability, motivation, pragmatic, and social contract, each theory consist of rules that are for a general purpose, are domain specific, created for a limited class of problems, being applied to any problem which we have familiarity and experience with.

Availability theory suggests we broaden our consideration of logical possibilities only in domains with which we are experienced. The assumption is we can apply this model to any problem of any sort because we are influenced by our familiarity with the content.

When we reason using knowledge structures (pragmatic) we follow rules which are related to particular kinds of goals; attached to real-life situations in which we are knowledgeable of. With this, the theory suggest we seek permission to complete a task, feel obligated to solve a problem, or attribute to the content of a problem; whether that of other's or our own.

Motivation theory, like availability, theorizes we will seek to deny the validity of the content of a problem, because it is logical for us to desire a different outcome than the one presented.

Social contract theory relates perceived benefits to perceived costs, having a precise exchange where we meet a requirement to a group or individual in order to receive something in return. As a Massage Therapist, I am required to give the most relaxing massage to my clients, and in return I receive monetary compensation, along with my clients healing from the process.

Functional fixedness:

I had a dilemma about needing to go to the grocery store when I had my last son, many years ago. I didn't have a car at the time and that made getting around somewhat difficult; as I did not want to catch the bus with him or walk such a long distance. I waited for people to pick me up rather than 'think out of the box'. My son had a stroller and the walk would be good for both him and me; that was the answer to my problem. I hadn't considered utilizing the bottom of his stroller to store the groceries until I was tired of waiting on people. It was my issue, not theirs. I was concerned about what people may say about me pushing my baby in his stroller, while placing my groceries underneath and possibly the loaf of bread on his lap. But, I did it anyway. I lost weight, he enjoyed the walk (well the ride), and the experience built my self-confidence; showing me how strong of a woman I am.