METATHOUGHT Meaning and
Definition
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Metathought is a term that encompasses the activities of thinking about thinking or reflecting on one's own thought processes. It refers to the ability to step back from one's immediate thoughts and observe or analyze them in a more objective manner. Metathought involves examining the quality of one's thoughts, identifying biases or logical errors, and considering alternative perspectives or interpretations.
In metathought, an individual engages in a higher level of cognitive processing by assessing the structure, validity, and reliability of their thoughts. It brings a level of self-awareness to the thinking process, allowing one to evaluate the effectiveness or appropriateness of their thoughts in achieving desired outcomes.
Metathought also involves recognizing patterns in one's thinking and learning from past experiences to optimize future decision-making. It enables individuals to monitor and regulate their own thought processes, ultimately leading to improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
This concept is often associated with metacognition, which refers to the awareness and understanding of one's own cognitive processes. Metathought, however, specifically focuses on the thinking aspect rather than the overall cognitive processes.
Overall, metathought is a cognitive skill that plays a crucial role in self-reflection, self-improvement, and intellectual growth. It allows individuals to evaluate and refine their thoughts, leading to more effective communication, decision making, and personal development.
Etymology of METATHOUGHT
The word "metathought" is a compound word derived from the combination of two elements: "meta" and "thought".
1. "Meta" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "meta" (μετά), meaning "beyond" or "transcending". It is often used to indicate a concept that is self-referential or goes beyond the original concept. Examples include "metamorphosis" (transformation beyond form) and "metaphysics" (beyond physics).
2. "Thought" comes from the Old English word "thōht", which means "an act of thinking" or "what is thought". This word is closely related to the proto-Germanic word "thangan", which means "seriously consider".
Therefore, combining these elements, "metathought" refers to a concept that goes beyond or transcends ordinary thought.
