Human Thought Processes

Human Thought Processes
Abstract
In this paper, the assumptions of Edward DeBono in the field of human thought processes will be compared to and critiqued in comparison to the assumptions of Richard J. Heuer Jr. and Morgan D. Jones on the same topic. This will be done by citing references from each of these individuals, and blending them into a comprehensive work of independent research.

DeBono’s Assumptions on Human Thought Processes
Dr. Edward DeBono is considered by some to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on the concepts of human thought and human thought processes. As such, Dr. DeBono has some very specific theories on the development of human thought and its processes. In a broad sense, what he believes as the basis of much of his research and worldwide lecturing is that human thought processes are taught rather than inherent (Debono, 2004). As a specific example, on his Website, Dr. DeBono puts forth the argument that even such things as creativity, which many think is an inborn trait, is actually something that is learned, and therefore the thought processes behind it had to be learned as a precursor to the creativity itself. In his many lectures and books, Dr. DeBono professes that people can “teach themselves to think”, a concept that he has taught to some of the world’s most prominent people and organizations.
As a general critique of the theories of Dr. DeBono, the argument can be made, in the area of creativity for example, that those people who show a proclivity toward a creative skill such as writing, music, or indeed academia, many times have come from backgrounds where they were not exposed to the specific stimuli that would produce the end result creativity. To specifically consider other viewpoints on human thought processes, we will next discuss and consider the teachings on this subject of Richard J. Heuer, Jr.
Heuer and Human Thought
In contrast to the theories of Dr. Edward DeBono, Richard J. Heuer, Jr., another leader in the field of human thought processes holds a different view of the process of human thought. While DeBono feels that much of human thought is taught and learned, Heuer maintains that many functions associated with perception, memory, and information processing take place in the subconscious mind, almost automatically, without a learning process being involved. What appears spontaneously in the mind is the result of thinking, not from a learned process of thinking (Heuer Jr, 2000). Heuer is similar to DeBono in some areas of logic, however; he does assert that there are some things that obviously must be taught in order for someone to learn how to do them, but he strays from DeBono in the sense that not everything must be learned to be part of human thought.
Heuer’s theories seem to be valid; however, it seems to be too convenient to simply say that some human thought processes “just happen”. While there surely is higher level technical data that Heuer uses to reinforce his arguments, the premise of them on the face seems to be too glib.
Adding to the discussion of human thought processes, yet another viewpoint on the subject is considered in the presentation and discussion of the ideas of Morgan D. Jones.

Theories of Morgan D. Jones
Morgan D. Jones offers theories in the area of human thought processes that are quite different from those of DeBono and Heuer. Jones maintains that our problem solving abilities, and indeed thought processes are stimulated more by visuals than by devoting a tremendous amount of thought to a given situation (Jones, 1998), sort of a quality over quantity viewpoint of human thought processes. As an example, Jones puts forth the proposition that in the very beginning of the human race, when people lacked formal education as we know it today, far more “cavemen” escaped attacks by wild animals by seeing what happened to others in the same situation and reacting quickly than by taking the time to go through an elaborate thought process when confronted by the wild animal. Jones’ theories incorporate some elements of subconscious thought, much as Heuer, but discount the intense learning element advocated by DeBono.
Heuer’s overall theory does seem valid; indeed, without the ability to visually retain information, the human race may not have survived, going back to Jones’ example.
Closing Thoughts
In closing, it is fair to say that DeBono, Heuer, and Jones all have valid facets to their theories on human thought processes; as with so many other topics, ironically enough, those who are evaluating each of these gentlemen’s ideas must give a great deal of thought to them and weigh them on their merits. Whatever the opinion of the individual, however, no one can debate the fact that the human mind is complex beyond our ability to ever fully comprehend it.
References

DeBono, E. (2004, March). Lateral Thinking and Other Thought Processes. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from Edward DeBono Web Site: http://www.edwarddebono.com

Heuer Jr, R. (2000). Psychology of Intelligence Analysis. Retrieved March 22, 2006, from http://www.odci.gov/csi/books/19104/art4.html

Jones, M. D. (1998). Thinker’s Toolkit (2nd ed.). New York: Random House.