Parallel Thinking

Parallel Thinking: What is Parallel Thinking?

Parallel Thinking is an Alternative to Argument

In Parallel Thinking each thinker puts forward his or her thoughts in parallel with the thoughts of others, rather than attacking the thoughts of others.

Edward de Bono's Six Thinking Hats method is a practical way of carrying out Parallel Thinking. This method is of fundamental importance because it provides us with a practical method of constructive thinking.

Parallel Thinking is a constructive alternative to argument or drifting discussion. It is important to understand this very fundamental nature of the Six Thinking Hats method in order to appreciate the importance of the method. The Six Thinking Hats system provides an alternative to that most basic of thinking procedures: the argument.

Parallel Thinking guides thought processes in one direction at a time so we can effectively analyze issues, generate new ideas, and make better decisions.

Revolutionary Nature of Parallel Thinking

The Need to Change Thinking Behavior

We have developed many excellent thinking tools for argument and analysis. Our information technology methods are constantly improving. But we have developed few tools to deal with our ordinary everyday thinking-the sort of thinking we do in conversations and meetings. In fact, our traditional thinking methods have not changed for centuries. While these methods were powerful in dealing with a relatively stable world (where ideas and concepts tended to live longer than people), they are no longer adequate to deal with the rapidly changing world of today where new concepts and ideas are urgently needed. | "Our traditional thinking methods . . . are no longer adequate to deal with the rapidly changing world of today . . ." |

Historical Background

The fall of the Roman Empire in Europe was followed by the Dark Ages. The so-called barbarian hordes swept across what had been the civilizations of Rome and Greece. 

"Church scholars . . ....