How to Apply the 9 Intellectual Standards in Your Daily Life

Do you want to enhance your critical thinking skills and master your decision-making abilities? Applying the 9 Intellectual Standards can help you achieve just that. These standards are a set of criteria that assist in evaluating and analyzing information, statements, and arguments while avoiding fallacies and biases. In this article, we will discuss how to apply these standards in your daily life.

Clearness

The first intellectual standard is clearness. It involves the use of language and information that is easy to understand. To apply this standard in your daily life, start by ensuring you use clear, concise language in your communication and avoid using jargon. Also, when reading or listening to any information, ensure it’s clear and straightforward.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the second intellectual standard that involves using precise and correct information. To apply accuracy, ensure that the information you consume (e.g., news, articles, and social media) is validated from credible sources. You can use fact-checking websites such as Snopes, FactCheck.org, and PolitiFact to confirm information before sharing.

Relevance

Relevance is the third intellectual standard that concerns whether the information you’re using is related to the issue at hand. To use this standard, when making a decision, ensure you gather and use only information relevant to the matter. For instance, before purchasing a new item, gather information on the product’s features that directly relate to your needs.

Depth

The fourth intellectual standard is depth. It involves going beyond the surface level to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand. To apply depth, develop a habit of digging deeper into the information you come across. For example, when studying, aim at understanding and analyzing the topic’s different aspects and perspectives.

Breadth

Breadth is the fifth intellectual standard, which is about obtaining diverse information on a topic. To use this standard, gather information from a wide range of sources, including both primary and secondary sources. This will enable you to have a broad and well-rounded perspective on the subject, thus making informed decisions.

Logic

The sixth intellectual standard is logic. It involves using the different modes of reasoning to explain an issue or argument. To use logic, ensure that the argument or decision you put forth is rational, and the conclusion is logically derived from the premise. This standard helps in avoiding fallacies and faulty reasoning.

Significance

The seventh standard is significance. It concerns the importance of the issue or problem at hand. To apply significance, ask yourself if the problem or decision is crucial to you, those around you, or society as a whole. Prioritizing significant issues over the petty ones helps in making wise decisions.

Precision

Precision is the eighth intellectual standard that focuses on the specifics of the information. To apply precision, ensure that your use of language is specific and well-defined. For example, when giving directions, be precise and concise.

Clarity

The last intellectual standard is clarity. It involves presenting information in a way that is easy to understand and make sense. To use clarity, ensure that the information you present is arranged logically and consistently. This clarity helps in preventing misunderstandings and confusion.

Conclusion

Applying these standards can aid in developing a robust critical thinking and decision-making skillsset. They can assist you in evaluating information, making informed decisions, and avoiding biased and fallacious arguments. Remember to use clear language, accurate information, gather relevant information, go in-depth, gather diverse information, use logic, prioritize significant issues, be precise, and present information clearly. With these intellectual standards, you can take control of your thinking ability and improve your daily life.