What Is Computer Logical Thinking And What Function Does It Have?

Computer logical thinking is a skill that can open many doors in the future. Knowing how to formulate problems, organize information logically or think abstractly are basic processes that formulate this valuable cognitive approach.

In an increasingly complex world, we undoubtedly need to know how to handle the challenges in our environment.

So does this approach mean that you learn to think like machines do? Not really. But at the same time, it integrates many of the areas that artificial intelligence currently cannot handle or achieve. Lateral thinking is also related to this type of thinking, as well as knowing how to deal with emotional variables and above all that one understands human behavior.

For a natural reason, the term “computer logical thinking” can make us automatically think of logarithms, data chips and subroutines in sophisticated computers. What this approach strives for, however, is something completely different. This perspective aims to teach you to face all the problems that may arise in the coming years as we combine technology with humanity, needs with answers and challenges with innovative proposals.

Let’s analyze this topic in a little more detail.

Computer logical thinking: definition, properties and purpose

Computer logical thinking is a concept that has its origins in the theories of Seymour Papert, a pioneer in artificial intelligence and inventor of the programming language Logo in 1968.

In 1995, he presented the need to reformulate the education system and integrate computers and programming languages ​​into the school curriculum. Thus, he foresaw the need to offer the world people who are educated in computer science.

Papert laid the foundation for this approach in the 90s. After his death, computer science professor Jeannette Wing has developed this idea even further. This computer technician and former vice president of Microsoft explained in his research work that computer science thinking will be a part of all business areas. One of her most important articles is “Computational thinking and thinking about computing” .

She also emphasizes the importance of Papert’s proposal: that this new competence must be integrated into the school curriculum. It is an important skill that will form the basis of so many areas in the future, such as technology, humanities and science. Let’s look at what computer science thinking consists of.

What is it more accurate?

Computer logical thinking is a high-level cognitive process that allows us to think scientifically when we solve problems. One thing we do know is that computers and new technology make our lives easier by solving several challenges. However, we must be one step ahead of them.

In addition, Jeannette Wing points out that we must understand how machines “think” to improve their function in the future. We need to learn how to combine natural processes with artificial ones. We must learn to combine our intuition and lateral thinking with the cognitive processes we extract from computers.

Properties of computer science thinking

This type of perspective consists of developing a series of executive functions. In fact, we use them already in our daily lives, but we are not aware of them and we do not get everything out of them that we could.

The fact is that there is nothing more enriching than “learning to think better”. With the help of this, we could solve everyday challenges in a more innovative way.

Computer logical thinking is based on four basic axes, which are the following:

• Division. We can divide each task or problem into smaller parts to better understand them.
• Knowing how to recognize patterns. Each phenomenon, experience, stimulus, problem or circumstance usually follows an internal schedule and responds to a pattern that we can identify.
• Abstract thinking. This type of reasoning is exclusive to humans. Thanks to that, we can create original ideas and even anticipate situations and scenarios to decide how we would act in these circumstances.

• Algorithms. An algorithm is a plan, a series of steps or a diagram that allows us to solve a problem step by step. Thanks to them , we can prepare a series of clear and simple instructions to meet any given event. They are defined by certain aspects. For example, they always have a limited number of steps, they have a specific goal in mind and are specific (not ambiguous).

The steps

In addition to being aware of all the factors and variables that define it and that we have already analyzed, there is another aspect that we need to understand. It is important to know the order in which this type of thinking usually follows.

• Analysis. When solving a problem, always analyze the problem carefully in advance.
• Abstraction. The second step is to know how to formulate the problem. What’s really going on? Is there a pattern? What strategy can I design? What will I think about from previous experiences related to the same situation?

• Expression of the solution or proposal. After mentally designing the strategy you need to follow, it’s time to apply it and test it.
• Evaluation. After implementation, it is time to evaluate. Did I get the result I wanted or can I improve it in some way?
• Generalization and transfer. When evaluating the success of what you have achieved, you can use what you have developed to apply it in other areas.

The importance of learning to think

Daniel Kahneman, psychologist and Nobel laureate, is one of the most important thinkers in the world. He claims that many people today make decisions without reasoning at all. Instead, they use their impulses. And some people vote, for example, without even knowing what or who they are voting for.

Nothing can be so crucial and beneficial as teaching new generations to think. We must help people to create a critical perspective on things and show how to observe reality from a more analytical and reflective perspective.

Computer logical thinking is the driving force for the future. Not only will it help us solve problems in a more intelligent way, but it will also enable us to stay one step ahead of artificial intelligence. This is important for the world of technology to always be at the service of humanity. Let’s remember this.