Why is postformal thought considered to be the most advanced level of thinking? Does the stage theory of reflective thought fit with this notion?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Postformal thought is characterized by a recognition that truth (the correct answer) may vary from situation to situation, that solutions must be realistic to be reasonable, that ambiguity and contradiction are the rule rather than the exception, and that emotion and subjective factors usually play a role in thinking. It is considered a higher (perhaps the highest) level of thinking because it takes into account multiple factors in the determination of any given conclusion. While an earlier stage of thought may jump to a conclusion based on limited information, postformal thinking is more flexible and considers circumstances, contexts, and individual factors.

This model does fit with the stages of reflective thought that are discussed in the chapter, as they go from prereflective (stages 1–3) to quasi-reflective (middle stages, 4 and 5) to reflective (stages 6 and 7). Earlier stages are associated with an absence of recognition/acknowledgement that knowledge is uncertain. Middle stages recognize that nothing is certain and base conclusions on circumstances as much as evidence. Later stages involve careful consideration of multiple perspectives, and a recognition that even firm convictions must be constantly re-evaluated.