Synthetic thinking is the ability to take multiple ideas and create a new, holistic concept from them. The spelling of this word is /sɪnˈθɛtɪk ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/. The first syllable "syn-" is pronounced with the "s" sound. The "th" in "synthetic" is pronounced as a voiced dental fricative sound /ð/. The second syllable "the-" is pronounced with a short "e" sound. The final syllable "-tic" is pronounced with a short "i" sound and the "c" is pronounced as a hard "k" sound.
Synthetic thinking, also referred to as syncretic thinking or synthetic thought, is a cognitive process that involves the integration and amalgamation of different concepts, ideas, or perspectives to form a new and innovative understanding or solution. It is a mode of thinking characterized by the ability to synthesize diverse and seemingly contradictory elements into a coherent whole.
In synthetic thinking, individuals go beyond linear or analytic thinking to create novel connections and viewpoints. It involves the combination of information from various sources or domains to form a comprehensive and holistic understanding of a subject matter. This type of thinking is often associated with creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Synthetic thinkers display an ability to bridge gaps between disparate pieces of information, identifying similarities, patterns, and relationships that may not be immediately apparent to others. They can form connections between seemingly unrelated ideas or concepts, facilitating the generation of original insights and innovative solutions.
Moreover, synthetic thinking is not limited to a specific discipline or domain, as it can be applied across various fields, including science, arts, philosophy, and business. It encourages individuals to think beyond conventional boundaries and explore unconventional approaches, fostering innovation and encouraging breakthroughs.
Overall, synthetic thinking involves the capacity to synthesize and merge different perspectives, concepts, or information to create unique and multidimensional understandings, leading to the development of innovative solutions and advancements in various fields.
The word "synthetic" comes from the Greek word "synthetikos", which means "putting together" or "composing". It is derived from the verb "synthesize", which means to combine elements or parts to form a coherent whole. The term "thinking" comes from the Old English word "thencan", which means "to conceive in the mind, reflect, ponder, meditate". Therefore, "synthetic thinking" refers to the process of combining different ideas, concepts, or elements to create a comprehensive and holistic understanding.