Thinking vs. Reasoning: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on December 18, 2023
Thinking is the process of considering or pondering something, while reasoning is the process of forming conclusions, judgments, or inferences from facts or premises.
Key Differences
Thinking is a broad, cognitive process involving mental activities like pondering, reflecting, and contemplating. Reasoning, however, specifically involves logical thinking and the drawing of conclusions based on evidence and rationality.
Thinking can be creative, critical, or reflective, encompassing a wide range of mental activities. Reasoning is more structured, focusing on deriving conclusions through logical and analytical thinking.
Thinking can be subjective, influenced by personal feelings, opinions, or biases. Reasoning aims to be objective, relying on logic and evidence rather than emotions or personal beliefs.
Thinking can range from simple daydreaming to complex problem-solving. Reasoning is a higher-order thinking process, involving complex cognitive functions like analysis and evaluation.
The goal of thinking may vary, often without a specific objective. Reasoning, on the other hand, seeks to solve problems, make decisions, or establish beliefs based on logical processes.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Mental process of considering or pondering
Logical process of forming conclusions
Scope
Broad, includes various mental activities
Structured, focuses on logical analysis
Subjectivity
Can be subjective and personal
Aims for objectivity and rationality
Complexity
Varies from simple to complex
Typically involves complex cognitive functions
Goal
Varies, often without specific outcome
Problem-solving, decision-making, establishing beliefs
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Thinking and Reasoning Definitions
Thinking
The use of the mind to imagine and understand.
Critical thinking is crucial for problem-solving.
Reasoning
Logical thinking aimed at reaching a conclusion.
Good reasoning is essential in critical thinking.
Thinking
Contemplation or deliberation over a subject.
His thinking on the issue evolved over time.
Reasoning
The action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way.
Her reasoning led her to the correct solution.
Thinking
The process of considering or pondering something.
Her thinking was interrupted by a sudden noise.
Reasoning
The process of forming conclusions or judgments from facts or premises.
Scientific reasoning is based on evidence.
Thinking
The formation of opinions or judgments.
Independent thinking is encouraged in the classroom.
Reasoning
Analyzing facts to form a judgment.
Legal reasoning requires thorough analysis of evidence.
Thinking
The action of using one's mind to produce thoughts.
Creative thinking led to many innovative ideas.
Reasoning
Use of reason, especially to form conclusions, inferences, or judgments.
Thinking
The act or practice of one that thinks; thought.
Reasoning
Evidence or arguments used in thinking or argumentation.
Thinking
A way of reasoning; judgment
To my thinking, this is not a good idea.
Reasoning
(uncountable) The deduction of inferences or interpretations from premises, abstract thought, ratiocination; (countable) any instance of this, especially as a process leading to an action, motive.
Thinking
Characterized by thought or thoughtfulness; rational
We are thinking animals.
Reasoning
(countable) A Rastafari meeting held for the purposes of chanting, prayer and discussion.
Thinking
Thought; gerund of think.
What is your thinking on this subject?
Reasoning
Present participle of reason
Thinking
Present participle of think
I'm thinking about inventing a new perpetual-motion machine.
Reasoning
The act or process of adducing a reason or reasons; manner of presenting one's reasons.
Thinking
Having the faculty of thought; cogitative; capable of a regular train of ideas; as, man is a thinking being.
Reasoning
That which is offered in argument; proofs or reasons when arranged and developed; course of argument.
His reasoning was sufficiently profound.
Thinking
The act of thinking; mode of thinking; imagination; cogitation; judgment.
I heard a bird so sing,Whose music, to my thinking, pleased the king.
Reasoning
Thinking that is coherent and logical
Thinking
The process of thinking (especially thinking carefully);
Thinking always made him frown
She paused for thought
Reasoning
Endowed with the capacity to reason
Thinking
Endowed with the capacity to reason
Reasoning
The mental process of deduction or inference.
His reasoning was flawed, leading to incorrect conclusions.
FAQs
What is thinking?
Thinking is the mental process of generating thoughts, ideas, or solutions.
What is reasoning?
Reasoning is the logical process of forming conclusions or judgments.
Is reasoning always based on facts?
Ideally, reasoning should be based on facts, but it can be influenced by incorrect information.
Do all people think the same way?
No, thinking can vary greatly between individuals.
Are there different types of reasoning?
Yes, including deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning.
Can thinking be creative?
Yes, thinking can be very creative, as in brainstorming or imaginative scenarios.
What role does thinking play in learning?
Thinking is crucial for understanding, analyzing, and synthesizing information in learning.
Can thinking be illogical?
Yes, thinking can sometimes be illogical or influenced by biases.
Is reasoning a part of critical thinking?
Yes, reasoning is a key component of critical thinking.
How is reasoning used in science?
Reasoning in science is used to formulate hypotheses and interpret data.
What is the difference between reasoning and rationalizing?
Reasoning is forming conclusions based on logic, while rationalizing is justifying actions with plausible but false reasoning.
Is logical reasoning always correct?
Logical reasoning can be incorrect if based on false premises or incomplete information.
How does emotion affect thinking?
Emotions can significantly influence how and what people think about.
Can reasoning be taught?
Yes, reasoning skills can be developed and improved through education and practice.
Is reasoning important in decision-making?
Reasoning is essential for making informed and logical decisions.
What is intuitive thinking?
Intuitive thinking is based on instinctive feelings rather than conscious reasoning.
How does culture influence thinking?
Culture can greatly shape the way individuals think and perceive the world.
Can reasoning be improved?
Yes, reasoning skills can be enhanced through practice, education, and critical thinking exercises.
Can thinking be unconscious?
Yes, some thinking processes can occur unconsciously.
Can thinking be erroneous?
Yes, thinking can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions or misunderstandings.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
