Chapter 3 And The Twelve Thinking Types


Chapter 3
 THINKING IN THE SERVICE OF APPREHENDING THE WORLD 
Why do people hold a certain view? What is it that convinces someone of something? It depends on their thinking personality. Each Philosophy Of Freedom chapter describes 12 thinking personality types.

Chapter 3 of The Philosophy Of freedom describes the thinking process. The aspect of the thinking process that most interests someone depends on their thinking personality type. Here are some notes on the 12 views of the thinking process. A free person will be aware of all the 12 world-outlooks and apply them according to need.

3.0 Chapter mood is Mysticism (world is revealed within) Introduction: I try to add to the occurrence that runs its course without my participation (outside observation) a second occurrence that takes place (within), in the conceptual sphere.

3.1 Materialist thinking (physical world) I observe the table and I carry out my thinking about the table, but I do not at the same moment observe my thought.
3.2 Spiritist thinking (what underlies world, gained by inner activity) I am conscious, in the most positive way, that the concept of a thing is formed through my activity.
3.3 Realist thinking (external world) Activity which is directed solely on the observed object (external world) and not on the thinking subject.
3.4 Idealist thinking (looks for progressive tendency) We enter the “exceptional state” and think about our own thoughts.
3.5 Mathematist thinking (calculating, order) I know immediately, from the content of the two concepts, why my thought connects the concept of thunder with that of lightning.
3.6 Rationalist thinking I know the reason for linking thought with thought.
3.7 Psychist thinking (psychology, ideas are bound up with a being) I qualify my existence by the determinate and self-sustaining content of my thinking activity.
3.8 Pneumatist thinking (spirit) When we reflect upon thinking itself we enter the realm of pure thought and add to the number of objects of observation.
3.9 Monadist thinking (build up existence in itself) We create before knowing. We must resolutely proceed with thinking, in order afterward, by means of observation of what we ourselves have done, gain knowledge of it.
3.10 Dynamist thinking (force is present) Archimedes thought he could lift the whole cosmos out of its hinges, if only he could find a point of support for his instrument. He needed a point which was self-supporting. In thought we have a principle which is self-subsisting.
3.11 Phenomenalist thinking (appearance of phenomena and interpretation) We must first consider thinking quite impartially without relation to a thinking subject or to an object of thought. There is no denying that thought must be understood before anything else can be understood.
3.12 Sensationalist thinking (accept sense impression without mixed in thought) There are people who say it is impossible to ascertain with certainty whether thinking is right or wrong. It would be just as intelligent to raise doubts as to whether a tree is in itself right or wrong. Thought is a fact, and it is meaningless to speak of the truth or falsity of a fact.

You need to be a member of The Philosophy Of Freedom Steiner to add comments!