What is Thinking: Definition and 397 Discussions

Thought (or thinking) encompasses a flow of ideas and associations that can lead to logical conclusions. Although thinking is an activity of an existential value for humans, there is still no consensus as to how it is adequately defined or understood.
Because thought underlies many human actions and interactions, understanding its physical and metaphysical origins and its effects has been a longstanding goal of many academic disciplines including philosophy, linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, artificial intelligence, biology, sociology and cognitive science.
Thinking allows humans to make sense of, interpret, represent or model the world they experience, and to make predictions about that world. It is therefore helpful to an organism with needs, objectives, and desires as it makes plans or otherwise attempts to accomplish those goals.

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  1. T

    Weird thinking of electric field inside a hollow cylinder.

    While I was studying with electric field about cylinder, I learned that for a very long cylinder, the electric field in the hollow of cylinder will be zero. http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/156789/electric-field-of-hollow-cylinder However, I couldn't accept this intuitively, and...
  2. TheQuietOne

    Engineering Thinking of working towards being a Navy ME

    I am thinking of (working towards) being a GSM in the Navy, I'm only starting high school and love engineering. Any thoughts?
  3. Planobilly

    Thinking about buying a Tektronix 2465B....Need advice

    Hi, I have been considering buying a good quality analog scope. Budget under $1000. I was considering a Tektronix 2465B 400MHz 4 channel. Looks like I could get one in the $400 to $500 range. Use would be general audio repair and some new design work testing on guitar amps. Basic analog...
  4. S

    MHB Formula Using Retention Rate - Am I thinking this through correctly?

    I need help making sure I am doing this right... I am trying to solve for the total Lifetime Value of a member where I deduct their initial order from the total. Variables: A = # of members B = 42% retention rate C = \$750 lifetime spend D = \$48 initial order Total Lifetime Value = ABC -...
  5. Graeme M

    Current thinking on diet and brain evolution?

    I went to a talk on nutrition recently which led me to do some research. Of particular interest to me is just what early humans ate, but I've also found a lot of uncertainty around what led to the evolution of the human brain. There seem to be a variety of arguments, from the claim that meat...
  6. Etienne Pilon

    I Thinking from First Principles?

    I've reflected a lot on the concept of thinking from First Principles. I've been reading about the subject but I can't find good references. So far, I'm able to summarize what I've found to the latter question: "What are we sure is true about this?" I was wondering if there was more to it. I...
  7. weirdlycool

    How to improve critical thinking and awareness

    I'm studying physics, and I've covered calculus and general physics. My problem is: -My critical thinking is really not good. -Whenever someone is asking me about say, object A, I would answer something that is not related to object A (I'm not aware of it until that person tell me that I...
  8. L

    I'm Just thinking -- I'm very interested in doing something with sports medicine

    Hey I'm a grade 9 student and I'm very interested in doing something with sports medicine. I don't know what I want to do for sure yet but I'm thinking about becoming a physiotherapist. I not a very high grade scorer my grades are at a average but some are a bit over. What grade percent would I...
  9. circulos meos

    Attempting to transfer to MIT (wishful thinking I know)

    Hello, For a while now, I've been dreaming of attending MIT. My question is: What would the sucessful transfer application of a physics major look like? -would I have a better chance of acceptance based on the fact that physics is less common that say engineering? -does high school stuff...
  10. J

    Can't stop thinking about this girl --

    Okay so I've known this girl forever, she's 21 and I'm 19. Our parents are best friends and we go away on vacation every year for New Years. This year, we had a New Year's kiss and it escalated to us hanging out pretty much the entire vacation. I can't get her out of my head but I don't know...
  11. Y

    Mathematical Thinking - Matrices

    Hi guys, iv been stuck on this problem for a while now and can't seem to make any headway construct a counterexample to the following statement: "for matrices A with real entries 'A^3=Identity impies A=Identity' im not restricted by size for the matrix. any hints would help because i just...
  12. jaketsi

    How Does Angular Momentum Affect the Behavior of a Rotating Drone System?

    Hi folks!First of all, English is not my native language so I hope there is not much misleading spelling mistakes, discrepancies and inaccuracy. I’m currently working with a hobby-project of a flying drone/UAV with two adjustable angled rotors. I’m able to make it fly more or less in a way it...
  13. P

    Chem undergrad thinking of doing masters in chem engineering

    Hello, I'm new here and this is my first thread - apologies if I seem forward with my questioning, I really just want some opinions on my issue from people other than friends and family. I've recently finished my second year of undergraduate chemistry, and have received numerous recommendations...
  14. UrsaMinor

    I am thinking of opting Electrical engineering for physics

    I am getting an integrated MTech degree in Electrical engineering I have always been interested in Physics, but I opted EE. I mean it is the time of admissions and I am talking about the choices i have. I chose integrated msc over mtech. I want to know if I can pursue research in Physics after...
  15. TranscedentKid

    Looking for good intro science books. I'm thinking Kaku?

    So, I've been inspired by shows like Fringe, games like Deus Ex and Halo, and movies like Robo Cop, The Machine, Eva, and Blade Runner. My interests would fall into the categories of things like neuroscience, biological engineering, nanotechnology, bionics, AI, body-computer interfaces, etc.--...
  16. S

    High School Student Thinking About Future Careers

    Hey! I'm a Grade 11 (entering Grade 12) high school student living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I was wondering if I could come here and ask a question on if anyone could give me any advice on what I should do with my life? More specifically, which one of these careers do you think would be...
  17. M

    Exploring Different Perspectives on Mathematical Thinking

    I was talking to a friend recently when he said he thinks about math like sentences and when he sees formulas he acts like he is speed reading through a book, although this did not really make much sense to me, it must make a lot of sense to him because he is great at math. This just got me...
  18. M

    I am thinking of switching from a Physics BS to a Math BS

    Hey guys! I am a new member who would love some feedback on a big decision I am making soon. I am a senior in college who is pursuing two degrees (one in History and one in Physics). I am in my second semester of my Physics degree and I am just not doing well (Fs on exams). I really enjoy the...
  19. T

    Schools Thinking of giving up on college

    Everything is conspiring against my ever attaining a degree, even an associates. I'm struggling to work a part time job and do class, and do homework even with one class. I just can't do it. Also things keep popping up that require me to miss whole semesters, I'm 34 and will be 50 by the time I...
  20. J

    What is the Universe expanding into?

    All that is visible to the human eye is that which can be seen at the furthest limits of the Cosmos, which began with the Big Bang. So then, what could exist from that point on? What space or material is the expanding Universe encroaching into, and either pushing it away, or transforming it into...
  21. L

    Thinking of starting a course in Electrical Engineering?

    Dear readers, Firstly I would like to say that I'm a new member to the Physics Forum and I hope to meet many people who share my passion for science and, at present, engineering (because let's face it, science/engineering is awesome!). As a recent chemistry graduate at the University of...
  22. Ahmad Kishki

    Thinking about the Schrodinger wave equation

    so H(psi) = E(psi) is the schrodinger equation such that psi is the eigen function of the hamiltonian operator, and since E is the eigen value of the hamiltonian, then this E is the measured E. This is what i understand so far, and i am building on this here. All psi must be eigen function of...
  23. N

    Type of thinking that is conducive to learning mathematics

    I have my highs and lows with mathematical understand. From those who are very good at mathematics what trait does you possesses that you think gives you the keys to understanding? I've been trying to become more visual with my learning of mathematics, such as visualizing/conceptualizing the the...
  24. S

    Physics/Math major thinking of an Actuary related job

    At the moment, I am a physics major and also putting a lot of emphasis on math. I am in my second year of undergrad at the moment. While my "dream" goal does include going into a PhD for physics, I do realize it's a long and demanding journey, so I have also been looking at actuary related jobs...
  25. nsaspook

    Did Greenpeace's Controversial Stunt at Ancient Site Cross the Line?

    http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/13/world/americas/peru-is-indignant-after-greenpeace-makes-its-mark-on-ancient-site.html?ref=science&_r=1
  26. Glomerular

    Thinking of rigid solid and NIFR problems

    In two weeks I have my clasical mechanics exam. This includes rigid solid and non inertial frame of reference chapters. Do you know any problem that involves both themes? This is how my exam is going to be :nb) Also, do you have any solved-problems book you could recommend me? Thanks in...
  27. T

    Thinking of getting this book in conjuction with Spivak

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/1425589138/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Calculus and Linear Algebra V.1 (Spo Scholarly Monograph) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1425589340/?tag=pfamazon01-20 Calculus and Linear Algebra Vol. 2: Vector Spaces, Many-Variable Calculus, and Differential Equations Has anyone had any...
  28. P

    How do researchers typically come up with their first research topic?

    This question just out of curiosity, How did you guys think of what your 1st research will be about? Because there are so many researches out there and many discoveries have been made, how did you come up with a topic of your own? PS, not sure if this is the right place to post this but I...
  29. PsychonautQQ

    Factor Groups: What am I thinking about wrongly here?

    say K is normal in G hence we have a factor group G/K. let g be an element of G where |g| = n. so Kg^n = K since g^n = 1. and using the properties of factor groups, we know Kg^n = (Kg)^n hence (Kg)^n = K So we know that the order of Kg divides n. Is this correct thinking? Factor groups are...
  30. D

    Thinking about a second bachelor's or master's, which route should I take?

    Hi all, I'm new around here but I've checked out the site several times, thought it might be a good place to get some feedback. I graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS Chem in 2013, and have spent the last year working in sales. I'm now situated in Lubbock, TX (where Texas Tech is...
  31. I

    Thinking About Normal Force

    Homework Statement The problem motivating this post is: "An out-of-gas car is rolling over the top of a hill at speed v. At this instant, a. n > FG b. n < FG c. n = FG d. We can't tell about n without knowing v." (Associated figure attached.) Homework Equations [/B] Newton's second law The...
  32. HeavyMetal

    Programs Chemistry Major Thinking (too much?) about Physics

    I have been doing research in chemistry for quite a while now. I love chemistry! But for about a year now, all of the questions that I've had are of a more purely physical nature. My mentor has some good answers for me, but a lot of the time he doesn't seem to care or know about the answer. He...
  33. S

    Space Time Field: Effects of Mass & Orbit Equilibrium

    So I was thinking about the space time field and trying to wrap my head around how it is actually bent around a mass. Has anyone thought of thinking about the bending of space time around a mass like multiple orbits? Almost like in the way we describe the orbits of an electron around a...
  34. J

    MHB Solve Critical Thinking Math: Stopping Dist. 0.0074v²

    This is a homework assignment, I think I can work it out if I can set things up correctly. Do I to set up a quadratic equation in the form: 0 = ax + bx + c then factor for the zeros/solutions (d) distance would be 0. But how do I put, (v) mph, with 0.0074v² ? More...
  35. Psinter

    Temporary blazing fast eye movements when thinking

    I was sitting beside my friend and I asked myself a question out loud which required scanning a mapped list (numbers-names) to find the answer. She heard and tried to help. I looked at her eyes while trying to find the answer myself and suddenly her eyes moved very quickly from center to right...
  36. T

    Thinking of a lower bound for a function

    A function ##f:\mathbb{R}^3_+\to[0,1]## defined as ##f(\lambda,\beta,x)=1-e^{-\frac{\lambda}{\beta}\left(1-e^{-\beta x}\right)}## serves a lot of pain under integration. As this function is used to describe a lower bound, could anyone suggest another non-zero function that would be smaller than...
  37. A

    Programs Thinking about majoring in physics; practical advice?

    I'm entering Princeton this coming fall as an undergrad, and I've given serious thought to majoring in physics. Math was my favorite subject, but then I took AP physics and found an unrivaled love for it. I think I either want to conduct research as an experimental physicist or teach at a...
  38. G

    Thinking about giving up physics

    Hi there, it seems that there are some good physicists and also some good people around here, so I'm just going to try this. This is going to be a bit long, so maybe just browse over it, if you feel like helping. It is the story of my "career" as a physicist so far. I have a bachelor's...
  39. M

    Thinking of switching from Chemistry to Physics

    I am a 20 year old Chemistry major who is currently finishing up his junior year of college. My initial plan was to graduate with a Chemistry BA and then proceed to apply to medical school. However, after taking physics non-calc based 1 & 2 I remembered how much I enjoy the physics. I am...
  40. Dishsoap

    Programs Thinking of dropping my math major

    Okay, I need some opinions here. I'm a physics major (computational) at a state university, currently a sophomore. I'm also double majoring in math, but due to course conflicts, I am considering dropping it. If I drop it, I can graduate in one more year. I plan to go to graduate school. My...
  41. K

    I'm thinking of a conceptual problem how does this work?

    Say for example I have a hollow cube with equal length/width on all sides. Let's also assume that the outside walls of this cube is unbreakable / perfect insulator / unable to deform in anyway. Now let's assume that we put a divider in the middle of the hollow cube of a certain thickness. The...
  42. C

    Thinking of switching from engineering to physics

    Hi all, Lately I've been feeling pretty let down by my choice of undergrad. I had always planned on ending up in physics, but I chose to go to Engineering Science (Engineering Physics essentially) at U of Toronto with the idea that I could end up in physics anyway (you specialize in your...
  43. J

    What is up with people thinking that 1 + 2 + 3 + = -1/12?

    What is up with people thinking that 1 + 2 + 3 + ... = -1/12? My friend showed me a Youtube video where a Physicist "proves" that ∑kεNk = -1/12. The guy in the video uses a lot of illegal maneuvers. But apparently this "fact" is used in String Theory. Do Physicists use different definitions of...
  44. N

    Thinking of going back to take Astrophysics, have no pre-reqs.

    I'm looking for an honest assessment of whether someone with a huge interest in Astronomy can make up for poor math skills. While Math was my highest grade in high-school I also took Consumer Math, as a result I find my self fumbling through Coursea's Astronomy class and taking ages to solve the...
  45. R

    Navigating Government: Advice for a Physics Student Interested in Policy

    Howdy everyone! Im a Soph at UIUC studying Physics. I'm really interested in going into government, especially policy. Not sure where, but science policy in general. I planning on majoring in Physics, minoring in Political Science, and studying Econ here and there. I don't really know where to...
  46. M

    Could Earnshaw be only thinking inside the box

    Hello PF people i just joined the forum after many many months of being driven insane concerning Earnshaw's Theorem, i myself am not a scientist or physicist so i am limited in the amount of knowledge that i have, but my curiosity won't let me accept what everyone else seems...
  47. R

    Schools Thinking of taking first year university physics, any advice?

    I'm thinking of taking it because of the simple reason that I'm really interested in it (I'm replacing it with another course but I'm not going to major in it), its description mentions interesting topics like relativity, time travel, quantum entanglement (sounds interesting yet very scary lol)...
  48. denjay

    Thinking about taking a year off after graduation

    This semester has been by far my busiest class-load and research wise. So the stress of getting all of the applications together for a grad school isn't exactly something I'm able to deal with with stride. On top of all that, its Nov. 6th and I'm still not 100% sure of what I want to do. I'm...
  49. Drakkith

    Thinking About Dropping a Class

    So I'm currently taking 3 classes, one of which is Spanish 101, and I find myself on the verge of dropping it. I hate it. I loathe it. It feels like it's a mountain with no peak, and I'm just climbing forever. I can't seem to study more than a tiny bit because it's mind number memorization and I...
  50. J

    Time spent thinking on technicalities

    Solving a problem is essentially an ordered sequence consisting of two essential steps: planning and executing. Often I spent an inordinate amount of time in phase two, the executive part. Mostly it comes down to tedious technicalities. For example, in order to solve Buffon's needle problem you...
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