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. R

    Thinking of starting a career in Astrophysics, need advice?

    I know it sounds like a big decision (which it is) but I've been considering it for a few weeks now and found that I'm really interested in astronomy and the physics that it is based on (I also really like theories, so maybe a theoretical physicist position too). I'd spend 3+ hours a day just...
  2. H

    Frictionless banked turn? What is wrong with my thinking?

    Homework Statement The Daytona 500 is the major event of the NASCAR season. It is held at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona, Florida. The turns in this oval track have a maximum radius (at the top) of r = 316, and are banked steeply, with θ = 31°. Suppose these maximum-radius turns...
  3. F

    Remainder Theorem Thinking Question

    Homework Statement When a polynomial is divided by (x+2), the remainder is -19. When the same polynomial is divided by (x-1), the remainder is 2. Determine the remainder when the polynomial is divided by (x-1)(x+2)Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution had the polynomial been a real...
  4. Deepak K Kapur

    A thought worth thinking ( or maybe not)

    I am a materialist (99%) and believe that if somebody hits something on my head with force, all my emotions, feelings, thoughts and even life would vanish in an instant. Yet, a few days ago something happened like this... I was sitting in my room at night and there was an electric cut...
  5. P

    How to increase 3-Dimensional thinking?

    Alright.I am preparing for engineering entrance exams next year.Most of the standard questions of Classical mechanics requires you to imagine the whole scenario in 3D.Unless you are able to vizualize it,You can't solve the problem.I am able to vizualize 70-80% of the problems but my imagination...
  6. P

    Intuitive thinking about ratios

    I was pondering over this problem about ratios and wondered what does 3/2 (oranges:apples say) actually means. I then understood after giving some thought that you DIVIDE the oranges with the no. of apples so that you get an idea about how many oranges correspond to 1 apple i.e. how much of one...
  7. T

    Design Thinking: History, Economy & Culture

    After reading an article a few of you may have read before, Link: http://www.metropolismag.com/October-2009/The-Making-of-a-Design-Thinker/ There are a few questions I am curious about. Design is not only the creation of prototypes for different machines/parts etc. But it can also be...
  8. A

    Engineering Thinking about second Bachelors degree in Computer Engineering

    Hello, I would like some advice on getting a second Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering. I currently have a Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. I should've gone for a C.E. degree since it was only 16 more credits but I didn't think it would matter much, so I didn't. Now I'm...
  9. H

    How to improve thinking skills?

    Hi guys:Just wondering, are there ways that you can improve your thinking skills hence enhancing your problem solving and learning speed and ability? I would love to become more intelligent, I don't know how much natural talent I have but I would like to (and I am doing) my best to become a more...
  10. alyafey22

    MHB Solve Problems Efficiently: Avoid Sleepy Thinking

    I was writing a code for a problem and I spent around an hour on it (thinking I am really solving it ) then discovering that was just a waste of time because I am not thinking right (Headbang). I need to go to sleep (Yawn).
  11. H

    Thinking to study Nuclear engineering but need some advice

    Hello everyone, I am new to the forum , I really want to go into Nuclear engineering but I am a little bit afraid that It's going to be difficult. Is there anyone who is currently studying Nuclear engineering ? My questions are : Does it require too much Chemistry? I am very good at...
  12. M

    Thinking about going to school for Cosmology/Astonomy.

    What are the requirements for getting research jobs in Astronomy and Cosmology? Where did you go to school/what job did you end up getting? How hard would it be to work towards a degree and work full-time? Are there jobs/internships that help pay for schooling while working in the field? And...
  13. S

    What Would You Write After 20 Seconds in This Lateral Thinking Puzzle?

    You're in an empty room. You have a pen and paper. Every 10 seconds you have to write what you did for the last 10 seconds. What would you write after 20 seconds? Think 'outside' the box (no pun intended).
  14. T

    Best Time to Learn Critical Thinking Skills

    Now, I'm aware that the best time to learn a new language it during your toddler years. This got me thinking. What if the best time to learn logical thinking is also during this time? I know for a fact that kids are not taught critical thinking skills. I tutored many kids and only see them do...
  15. A

    Thinking about taking an astronomy or astrophysics course for fun

    Hi all, I've had an itching lately to dive into something new. Currently, I am a professional computer programmer but have always been interested in astronomy. I took an astronomy course (as well as a lab for it) when I was in college and I remember enjoying it all immensely. I want to get...
  16. A

    Difficult rational expressions thinking question

    Homework Statement Find the Values of B and C given this: \frac{(3x-18)}{(2x+1)(7x-3)}= \frac{B}{2x+1} + \frac{C}{7x-3} Homework Equations The equation given: \frac{(3x-18)}{(2x+1)(7x-3)}= \frac{B}{2x+1} + \frac{C}{7x-3} The Attempt at a Solution My attempt: \frac{(3x-18)}{(2x+1)(7x-3)}=...
  17. MathematicalPhysicist

    An ODE I was thinking of.

    I thought today of the next DE: y''(x) = y(x)e^{y'(x)} Not sure if it has applications, obviosuly I tried to find a solution via power series around x=0. It seems tough to look for a general recurrence equation for the coefficients. Here's what I have done so far. y(x)=\sum_{n=0}^{\infty}...
  18. U

    Programs Have 2 Masters, thinking about PHD, but

    Hi, I got my undergraduate in Electrical Engineering. Then went right to work at a government sponsored research lab. I got into a part-time masters program from a good school and got two non-thesis masters: one in Electrical Engineering, the other in Computer Science. The reason for two...
  19. K

    Thinking about switching my degree from EE to

    So I'm still at my little old community college, currently taking a differential equations course (which I love), and then I'm taking a circuits and devices class (the first real engineering class I've ever taken.) I'm taking a couple other classes but they are mostly credit fodder so I can...
  20. L

    Positive Thinking: Math Struggles & How to Overcome Them

    All right guys. A lil history bout me. in high school (10 years ago) i hated math, now i like it. Never went far with it in high school. Failed trig a year and a half ago. had to retake. Now I am in my first EVER calc2 class. Finished calc 1 with a high 80's (87 or so). Now I am in calc2 and i...
  21. L

    Programs Should I Switch from Physics to Biology With Only a Year Left?

    I'm a physics major right now, but I've figured out that I'm just not smart enough to complete this. I struggle with every aspect of this subject. And I used to like physics, but the more physics classes I take, the less I enjoy it. How long would it take to complete a bachelors if I switched...
  22. J

    What motivated Einstein to start thinking about a General Theory of Relativity?

    So basically I have always wondered what motivated Einstein to move from Special Relativity to General Relativity. Anyone care to tell me what was going on in Einsteins mind after he completed his Special Theory of Relativity? I have done a course in Special Relativity, understand it and I...
  23. L

    Medical What are the physiological processes that initiate human choices and thinking?

    I have a question that maybe basic and psychological in nature but I'm hoping someone with experience in Neuroscience research or any related fields could answer it. As far as I understand it, there is a common debate as to what influences human decisions and what does not which leads to the...
  24. J

    Medical Can't sleep, thinking too much.

    Wondering if anyone could enlighten me as to why I can lay in bed in hours, trying unsuccessfully to sleep, while my brain is going on a roller coaster of thoughts. It doesn't happen every night, but it is frustrating since I never remember what I was thinking about in the morning.
  25. C

    Thinking of switching graduate programs.

    I'm a graduate student in experimental condensed matter physics. Over the last few months, I've found my motivation for physics decreasing substantially going from "I'm definitely doing my PhD in this" to "grabbing my MS and change fields"; now I'm not even sure I can withstand the MS. As I...
  26. S

    Having a hard time thinking about quantum mechanical vector addition.

    If a neutron in a nucleus is in a 1p state, before splitting this up into separate j-state (due to spin-orbit effect) this neutron has 6 possible states. l = 1 m_l = 1, 0 or -1 m_s = 1/2 or -1/2Splitting this into j-states corresponding to l+s and l-s, as expected there are 6 states. j = 3/2...
  27. U

    Programs I'm thinking of taking Physics as a major but could it limit me?

    Hello there, As the tittle goes: I'm thinking of taking Physics as a major but could it limit me? I've done some googling but everybody seems to contradict themselves. I'm finding hard time deciding on a program, and I don't have much time left until the deadlines. I'm pretty sure that...
  28. U

    Underemployed Liberal Arts Grad Thinking About Going Back for Engineering/Math.

    A little about me: I graduated with dual degrees in Psychology and English about two years ago. Since then, I haven't had a professional job which pays a good wage and have even had employers tell me that I need a stronger math proficiency. I heard that engineering and math/based fields are...
  29. agnibho

    Thinking about the right career choice

    Thinking about the right career choice! I am currently studying in class XI. I like physics, chemistry and computer science. I also liked biology, but the choice was in between bio and computer science, so I chose computer science. I am preparing myself for the competitive exams. I draw very...
  30. J

    Master Darts in a Moving Elevator: A Guide to Precision Aim

    You are playing darts in an elevator that is rising at a constant speed. Should you still aim at your target the way you would normally do, or should you aim higher, or lower? Explain.
  31. I

    Thinking algorithms and how to amplify analytical methods in daily life

    I am an engineering student. I am an average student. I don't think my methods of analysis and thinking are proper. I did take steps to improve my thinking abilities by becoming a left-handed person, solving sudoku and lateral thinking puzzles. I want to be a scientist in my life. But i...
  32. A

    Medical Thinking that one might be a sociopath

    This is a topic of great personal importance to some but is something of a taboo today. People are afraid to discuss it. There are clinical tests for sociopathy. And there are many different kinds of this disorder. By no means does it mean that someone is violent or poses imminent physical...
  33. N

    Thinking of withdrawing from a class and not accepting a research position

    Is it really that bad to withdraw from a class? I am taking 18 credits and I am taking the following classes: Computer Based Experimentation Classical Mechanics Multivariable Calculus Linear Algebra Computing for math & science Students in Transition Seminar I'm going to drop 1 class, computer...
  34. N

    Energy & Momentum Thinking Problem

    Homework Statement Two boxes each of mass 12kg are raised 1.8m to a shelf. The first one is lifted and the second is pushed up a smooth ramp. If the applied force on the second box is 48N, calculate the angle between the ramp and the ground. Homework Equations W = Eg = mgh for first...
  35. S

    Thinking about magnetic coercive field

    I am trying to better understand some concepts in magnetism and I hope that someone here can help clarify a few questions that I have. I am trying to interpret the meaning of the specific coercive fields of magnetic objects. For the sake of discussion, let’s use neodymium (rare-earth)...
  36. B

    28 YO thinking about a career move towards engineering

    Hi, I am seriously considering making a move towards becoming an engineer. I have a History degree from UC Berkeley and a certificate degree in Advanced Character Animation. Money is not and issue and I have all the free time in the world. I am 28 years old and am in excellent physical...
  37. E

    About the scientific thinking and aliens

    Hello I was thinking about how could we think if we arrived to a new planet and found a strange buildings and a complicated machines but we haven't found any living creatures or aliens , just a srange buildings and macheins , could that be an evidence for the existence of aliens ?? we haven't...
  38. A

    Thinking Career As A Professor

    Recently, I have been thinking about what I would like to do once I finish my graduate school career. I already know that I like doing research, so I was thinking of either working for a national lab or becoming a professor. Based on some information I've read on the web, becoming a professor...
  39. S

    Polynomials & Real Numbers: Find Remainder & No. of Divisors

    this is a HOT question from polynomials . 1)find the remainder when x^100 is divided by x^2 - 3x + 2 another from real numbers 2) The number of + divisors which divide 10^999 but not 10^998 are ______ i tried them for sometime . but could not solve them .
  40. A

    Programs Prior military thinking of physics/engineering degree

    So, about 3 years ago I was on these forums getting an idea of what I wanted to do after I got out of the military. My how time flys because my military service is almost up as I have a little more than a year left. My job in the Air Force is an avionics tech on fighter jets. I love my job...
  41. T

    What is the fundamental premise of positive thinking

    What is the fundamental premise of "positive thinking" The only quantifiable effect of positive or negative thinking that I can think of would be how each mindset influences your actual behavior. But do positive thinkers believe that it also somehow produces effects via some unknown mechanism...
  42. Z

    Thinking obout The Principle of Special Relativity

    During this year, I was studing classic physics again ,which contain mechanics and electrodynamics.They are both irrelevant to thermodynamics,and irrelevant to statistics. In mechanics ,we have the Newton's laws of motion,which can be in the same form in any inertial system,that is to say...
  43. G

    Does Thinking Make You Smarter ?

    Does Thinking Make You "Smarter"? I've always had an unspoken, unverified assumption that playing any game that uses a lot of mental power will make one "smarter." How do I define smart? As basically anything that improves brain function. I guess my question is: does the brain work like a...
  44. R

    Math Thinking of leaving math PhD - do what?

    Hi everyone, I'm looking for a bit of advice on how to approach my situation. Any input will be much appreciated, no matter how blunt. My situation: I completed a BSc in Math (Honors - sort of a masters equivalent for those not familiar) in the middle of 2010. After finishing I kind of...
  45. V

    Schools Thinking particle physics for grad school. Undergrad course questions

    Hi. I am hoping to pursue high energy physics in graduate school. I have a few extra math electives I need to take for my math degree(majoring in math and physics). I was wondering if these classes would be of any real relevance Abstract Algebra Algebraic Geometry Lie AlgebrasDifferential...
  46. U

    Schools Graduate School: Can I get in? - Thinking about going back to Math

    Graduate School: Can I get in? -- Thinking about going back to Math Hi, I have been pondering some kind of PhD program in mathematics, and I have a couple questions. So, first, knowing my background might be nice. I graduated from a small, mid-level liberal arts college with a major in...
  47. R

    Thinking of becoming an actuary

    Hey guys, I'm not really sure if this belongs here but I've been looking into the actuary field for a while and decided that I'm pretty interested in it. For some background: I just finished my freshman year at a decently reputable small liberal arts college. I was originally thinking about a...
  48. S

    Having trouble thinking about conservative forces

    I'm having trouble with the concept of conservative forces. I've been studying things of that nature for awhile now and can make most calculations on my own, but there are a few specific details that confuse me. It's easiest to explain my confusion with two simple examples. First Example...
  49. TheTank

    Thinking about electricity and magnetism, and some relativity

    I have 2 questions. I have been thinking about these two things a while, and got no one to ask, so hope to get some info/answeres here:) 1: When an electron is standing still, it produces an electric field (and no magnetic field), right? So when many electrons is moving with a constant...
  50. F

    Why is it important to consider current and voltage when thinking about power?

    Hello Forum, electrical power is current times voltage. Current is charge per unit time, crossing an hypothetical surface: the more people cross a door per unit time the higher the current. Voltage is energy per unit charge: the more energy each person crossing the door, the more the...
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