Reflection
The properties of the human psyche are multifaceted. One of them is the ability of thinking for critical introspection of actions, thoughts, feelings. Such a property, or reflection, allows, figuratively speaking, to “look back” and draw the necessary conclusions. Self-directed criticism forms new values, destroys the established stereotypes of norms of behavior and knowledge. It contributes to the development of positive qualities of a person and, thereby, his progress as a person. Reflection can take various forms and take on various forms.
Types of reflection
Depending on the direction of critical thinking, it is customary to distinguish three main types of reflection:
- Elementary. This manifestation of self-criticism is characteristic of almost every person. Quite often in life there are situations when you have to think about the reasons for your own failures and mistakes. Such reflections contribute to a change in existing ideas about the world around them, which allows you to correct mistakes and prevent them in the future;
- Scientific. This critical analysis finds its main application in various specialized disciplines. This type of reflection is aimed at studying methods and techniques for obtaining scientific results, substantiating the theories and laws formed on their basis;
- Philosophical. This kind of reflective thinking is considered the highest. It represents awareness and comprehension of the foundations of being, reflections on the meaning of human existence. Since ancient times, philosophical reflection has been the basis of a person's spiritual improvement, as well as a means of his self-knowledge. The ability for this kind of critical introspection is the most important indicator of a person's intelligence.
Reflection techniques
The criticality of thinking is due to the high level of development of the human psyche. This ability of an individual is considered an indicator of his becoming as a person. To carry out a critical analysis, various methods of reflection are used. The most famous of them are:
- Entering a reflective position. This technique consists in excluding direct interest in the situation in which the difficulty has arisen, and changing it to the so-called “outside” view. At the same time, there is going beyond the limits of the current difficult situation, into a position that allows you to understand the problem and find a way to resolve it. The starting point of reflection in this case is the realization that certain difficulties have appeared, and the fixation of the situation in which they arose;
- Reflective display of the situation. Often, a change in point of view on a situation contributes to the emergence of an idea of the likely causes of the difficulties that have arisen. Reflexive reasoning in this case is usually difficult to keep in mind. In this regard, it becomes necessary to construct a schematic representation of the situation, which makes it possible to fairly objectively understand the current situation;
- Reflective justification of activity. Based on the techniques of reflection, which make it possible to find out the causes of difficulties, an understanding of how to correct a difficult situation develops. A critical attitude to the problem allows you to justify the need for specific actions aimed at changing the situation and eliminating the mistakes made.
Possession of the techniques of reflection is one of the most important indicators of the level of human mental development.
Reflection forms
Critical analysis is capable of performing various functions, each of which directly depends on the timing of its conduct. In connection with this feature, there are three main forms of reflection:
- Situational. It is a person's ability to analyze a situation that is developing at a particular moment, and correlate his actions with it. This form of thinking allows you to coordinate activities in strict accordance with changing conditions;
- Retrospective. This form of introspection makes it possible to assess the events that have already occurred, as well as the results of the activities performed. Critical thinking in this case is aimed at studying past experience. Reflection helps to identify possible errors, search for the causes of their occurrence;
- Promising. It implies the subject's reflections on the upcoming activity, contributes to the formation of his ideas about the sequence of necessary actions. This form of reflection allows you to plan your work in the most efficient way.
Critical introspection can be done both individually and in a group. In this regard, along with the above forms of reflective thinking, there are also intrasubject and intersubject forms. Each of them, in turn, is subdivided into three components. For intrasubjective forms of thinking, these are corrective, selective and complementary reflections. The first of them allows you to choose a mode of action that is optimally adapted to specific conditions. The second form makes it possible to choose a way to solve the problem from several possible options. Complementary reflection makes available some complication of the necessary actions by adding a number of elements to them.
Intersubjective forms include cooperative, opposing, and adversarial reflections. At the same time, the cooperative form unites individual subjects for some kind of joint activity, the opposing one acts as a means of fighting for something, and the adversarial one is used in conditions of partner rivalry.
The ability to think reflectively is the most important property of the human mind. Only through the analysis of his actions and feelings can the subject move to the next stage of development. This relationship between reflection and development is characteristic not only of the individual, but also of the entire society.
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