ABSTRACT
Familiarity with some of the terms of logic can undoubtedly be helpful in reasoning, and a knowledge of rules of formal logic is a great asset indeed. Effective reasoning requires the ability to think up arguments as well as to assess their validity. It requires the ability to generate hypotheses as well as to test them, to determine the degree of relevance certain information has to an issue, and to give appropriate weight to that information in attempting to decide the issue. Any view of reasoning that overlooks the less formal and more creative aspects of the process is an overly narrow view and is an inadequate foundation for programs to enhance reasoning. The role of inventiveness or creativity in reasoning is far more important than is generally acknowledged. The importance of creativity in reasoning is also apparent from a consideration of the way in which science advances knowledge. Training in science puts heavy emphasis on methods for testing hypotheses.
