Question

3. Make up a patient scenario and list the 7 elements of reasoning and critical thought as outlined by Richard Paul (1995). Describe the elements of reasoning in reference to your specific patient scenario.

Answer 1

Let us assume a patient who is presented with heartburn at the hospital.

The elements of reasoning, or structures of thought - the idea that all reasoning contains parts, and that these parts enable one to analyze thinking, any thinking whatsoever, in order to best understand it.

According to Paul, thinking, then

• generates purpose
• raises questions
• uses information
• utilizes concept
• makes inferences
• makes assumptions
• generates implications
• embodies a point of view

Through this conceptualization, Paul illuminates the fact that all reasoning, of whatever quality, contains these elements. Moreover, these elements are found together in the mind as a system of inter-connected ideas. They influence and are influenced by one another. Where you have one, you have the other seven. In developing his understanding of the elements of reasoning, Paul was influenced by his background as a philosopher. But in formulating the elements of reasoning, he was influenced by other domains of thought, as well as by educated usages of words. He went far beyond the traditionally narrow philosophical view of reasoning – a view focused primarily on only a few of the parts of reasoning – namely premises (assumptions and information in Paul’s conceptualization) and conclusions (inferences and/or implications). Paul’s theory points out that all reasoning contains the eight elements, and therefore can be analyzed into eight specific parts – in determining the full logic of the reasoning.

Now let us take the example of the patient in reference to the patient scenario

1) Generates Purpose - Purpose is to stabilized and treat the patient

2) Raises Questions - Questions are raised in relation to the condition of the patient. He answered that he have not taken any food since morning due to hectic schedule and he had another incident of heartburn 1 month prior

3) Uses Information - The information given by the patient is used to diagnose the patient

4) Utilizes Concept - The used information is conceptualized.

5) Makes Inferences - Inferences are drawn.

6) Makes Assumptions - Assumptions are made that the patient may have an episode of acute gastritis.

7) Generates Implications - Various investigations and tests are done to rule out other conditions

8) Embodies a Point of View - Acute Gastritis is confirmed and IV proton-pump inhibitor is given to stabilize the patient.