Futurlogics is a Thinking System and a Method of Research using the minds reaction to the future. This is the system of research used to investigate the unknown by developing the natural intuition in all of us.
History as a point of reference for charting the course ahead is obsolete. Soon absolutes will become mere variables. New tools are needed to prepare for the times ahead.
Futurlogics is an expanding spiral of thought to organize and systemize all the principles of thinking future through DMP.
Predicting, preparing, and planning with the understanding gained through reading this handbook will liberate the mind to think as it should.
WHY SO STUPID?: Review by james n. hall of Dr. de Bono's book
FUTURLOGICS authored by james n. hall copyright February 1983
"SIX THINKING HATS" authored by Dr. Edward de Bono copyright 1985
Six modes in Futurlogics page 36 in FUTURLOGICS. Six Hats in "Six Thinking Hats" page 31 in "SIX THINKING HATS".
FUTURLOGICS compared thinking modes to the colors of the rainbow or kaleidoscope page 37 in FUTURLOGICS. Six Hats color coded Chapter 7 in "SIX THINKING HATS".
Futurlogics defines modes of thinking and their conversion to model type of thinking Chapters 4 through 9 in FUTURLOGICS. Six Thinking Hats quote "The six thinking hats method is designed to switch thinking away from the normal argument style to a map making style page 199 in "SIX THINKING HATS".
If FUTURLOGICS were to put a hat on it would be "The Rainbow Hat" but since the future is considered FUTURLOGICS goes beyond to enlighten thinking.
FUTURLOGICS forecasts "mode free thinking" or DMP which is only being discovered of late by the Six Thinking Hats system. Mode free thinking is synthesis.
"Six Thinking Hats" is recommended as a beginners resource to FUTURLOGICS.
PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: i.e. passion, intuition, opinion, feelings, objectivity, clinical observation, factual vs emotional, WHITE THINKING HAT vs RED THINKING HAT.
LOGICAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: i.e. judgment, evaluation, pessimism, optimism, looking for errors vs looking for good points, BLACK THINKING HAT vs YELLOW THINKING HAT
VOLITIONAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: "right brain vs left brain", focus thought vs divergence thought, thought generation vs thought efficiency, thinking about thinking vs thinking of thinking, choice reduction vs choice production, possibilities vs probabilities, organization and control vs free form and surprising, provocative vs calming, GREEN THINKING HAT vs BLUE THINKING HAT.
(NOTE: An oversight by Dr. Edward deBono is that the RED,YELLOW,GREEN HATS are essentially Right Brain(enlightenment,eclectic) type of thinking and the BLACK,WHITE, BLUE HAT are essentially Left Brain(truth,continuous,linear) type of thinking. It looks as if he has them mixed on the cover of his book. The exception to this is that the facet of Blue Hat that deals with metacognition is both Right and Left brained at once. Yet, they are artificially define metaphors, and may not represent this model.)
These tiers are bipolar in that they will retreat to a zone of action. The WHITE THINKING HAT lives in informational sources RED THINKING HAT lives in opinion, intuition, art. The BLACK THINKING HAT demands the "letter of the law" and fears the consequences of breaking rules and restraints of safety; and, the YELLOW THINKING HAT expects the "spirit of the law" and looks for intents rather than deeds. The GREEN THINKING HAT explores the edge of the map breaks trails, creates options, expands choices, generates new ideas, efficiency is measured in the number of new ideas produced where the BLUE THINKING HAT generalizes thought and consciousness is organized and systematized in one concerted focus, assimilates new ideas and efficiency is measured in terms of thought control.
The FUTURLOGICS system of thinking by james n. hall is not polar but rather is complementary of a holistic method/model. They are all directed to one end which is DMP : (D)irect (M)ind (P)erception and (D)irect (M)ental (P)rocess. There are six modes/models in FUTURLOGICS.
(D)irect (M)ind (P)erception represents enlightenment in consciousness. (D)irect (M)ental (P)rocess represents reason in truth.
Everything is directed to DMP in the FUTURLOGICS system. DMP | TRUTH and LIGHT TRUTH is knowledge of FUTURE LIGHT is principles of intelligence TRUTH is knowledge of PRESENT LIGHT is intuition and insight TRUTH is knowledge of PAST LIGHT is logic and reason TRUTH COMPLIMENTS PAST: Retrospective mode.............Absolute future PRESENT: Observational mode..............Natural future FUTURE: Model mode.....................Paradigm future LIGHT COMPLIMENTS INTUITION and INSIGHT: Imaginary mode................Imaginary future LOGIC and REASON: Assumptive mode..............Artificial future PRINCIPLES of INTELLIGENCE: Creative mode.................Synthetic future
The future in FUTURLOGICS is used as a provocation to thought and as a leveler to dogma and academic impedance to new thought and ideas. The future as total abstraction develops the mind to deal with things that are purely mental and subject to reason and intuition. It is a natural "brain storm". And finally the future is a short reference to all the things and events that we have yet to learn and experience and it is the frontier on the mind. Everywhere future is mentioned think the unknown or the vista of our method.
There are clear difference between FUTURLOGICS and "Six Thinking Hats" of Dr. de Bono.
Quote Dr. de Bono.
There are two main purposes to the six thinking hats concept. The first purpose is to simplify thinking by allowing a thinker to deal with one thing at a time. Instead of having to take care of emotions, logic, information, hope, and creativity all at the same time,
Quote Mr. Hall
The minimum requirement of Futurlogics is to be able to use more than one mode. This freefloating effect of transferring awareness to the mode in which one is operating is necessary to see ahead clearly. Discerning the origin of any idea, notion, or feeling is the key to accurate prediction. Tracing each idea to the mode in which we are thinking will develop this ability. DMP will be the final result. Remember to use only one mode is to have others think for you. DMP is truly thinking for oneself.
Quote Dr. de Bono.
The second main purpose of the six thinking hats concept is to allow a switch in thinking. If a person at a meeting has been persistently negative, that person can be asked to take off "the black thinking hat." This signals to the person that he or she is being persistently negative. The person may also be asked to put on "the yellow thinking hat." This is a direct request to be positive. In this way the six hats provide an idiom that is definite without being offensive. What is most important is that the idiom does not threaten a person's ego of personality. By turning it into role-playing or even a game, the concept of the hats makes it possible to request certain types of thinking. The hats become a sort of short-hand of instruction.
Quote Mr. Hall
We live surrounded by academic disciplines. All the sciences set forth points and areas concerning the future. If we have been able to detach ourselves from the narrowness of the views that any specific approach to the future might produce, the special patterns of thought to which Futurlogics ascribes enables us to objectively look at these various allusions. Any futurist must be able to detach himself from the present and see from another point in space. This detached, freefloating perspective is necessary to probe the future, and it is the outcome of Futurlogics. If a futurist cannot free himself from his method of obtaining data, the procedures and logics of the methods will inject themselves into the resulting scenario of the future.
Quote Dr. de Bono.
The purpose of the six thinking hats is to unscramble thinking so that a thinker is able to use one thinking mode at a time--instead of trying to do everything at once. The best analogy is that of color printing. Each color is printed separately and in the end they all come together.
Quote Mr. Hall
The above divisions become symbols and terms of the parametric descriptions of the future that we have referred to as modes. Modes are the results of cycles--or closed circuit thinking--as in the see-know, the see-believe. Very often when we are exposed to new things we interpret them by language we are familiar with, and we are often misled because of the mechanics of the familiar terms. Futurlogics is the balanced use of the modes which neutralizes the modal distractions as we envision the future. It becomes the DMP contact to the study of the future. It points to truth, which is knowledge of the three phases of the temporal environments--the past, present, and future. Futurlogics is the perfected mode.
Quote Dr. de Bono.
The six thinking hats method is designed to switch thinking away from the normal argument style to a mapmaking style. This makes thinking a two-stage process. The first stage is to make the map. The second stage is to choose a route on the map. If the map is good enough, the best route will often become obvious. As in the color printing analogy, each of the six hats puts one type of thinking on the map.
Quote Mr. Hall
Traffic signs indicate road conditions and maps guide us through unknown territories. So we must use Futurlogics as a guide to direct us toward our objective. Futurlogics is not the future--it is a means, a guidepost, a map to help us on our way. We must always be conscious of how the parameters of thinking about the future lead us away from DMP contact with future realities. DMP is our most intimate contact with the future and to allow any distraction will result in a distorted view of things to come.
Final Differences:
Dr Edward de Bono states that: "The main purpose of thinking is to abolish thinking".
The FUTURLOGICS' attitude is that: The purpose(s) of thinking is/are to discover the unknown and to acquire foreknowledge and to prepare the mind for understanding and all this/these holistically to enhance further thinking. Or, simply the purpose of thinking is to improve the minds' capability of thinking and knowing. Or, even simpler the purpose of thinking is to prepare the mind to learn.
The modes in FUTURLOGICS originate from personal living and experience or orgainic sources such as memory ,senses, imagination, thought, manipulative skills of the hands , expectation. Holistic thinking or DMP is the ideal or synthesis these "natural modes".
The modes in "Six Thinking Hats" originate from a type of group conditioning or learning the rules of a game for social convenience and control . Simplified, modal thinking is "reached for" with analysis as a supervision principle.
The six modes in FUTURLOGICS are the results of six cycles of thinking that are organically produced from common sense. Examples:
The Absolute Mode originates from the retrospective cycle of memory and thinking.
The Natural Mode originates from the observational cycle of sensory input and thinking.
The Imaginary Mode originates from the imaginary cycle of imagination and thinking.
The Assumptive Mode originates from the faith cycle of belief and thinking.
The Creative Mode originates from the creative cycle of manufacture and thinking.
The Model Mode originates from the prospective cycle of forethinking and thinking.
Metacognition is thinking about thinking, but FUTURLOGICS is thinking about forethinking or prospective thinking.
The six modes in "Six Thinking Hats" are artificially assigned and trained into the thinking culture through rules and games. It must be learned through group interaction even though it is claimed that a Hat can be signaled by oneself to use one of the Hats. Actually the artificiality of the Hats is considered a positive feature of the "Six Thinking Hats" System.
Quote " Six Thinking Hats ". < Artificiality from Summary Page 199 >
It is the very artificiality of the hats which is there greatest value. The provide a formality and a convenience for requesting a certain type of thinking either of oneself or of others. The establish rules for the game of thinking. Anyone playing the game will be aware of these rules.
Quote " Six Thinking Hats ". Argument thinking from Summary Page 173
The two and fro
of argument style of thinking provides the momentum for the
thinking. That is why so many people find it easier to think in a
group than on their own. Thinking on one's own has much more need of
a Blue Hat structure. The object of the "Hats is to Control
groups by signaling the mode and training
to respond to the Blue
Hat controls.
Example of a Blue Hat structuring of artificially define "Hats" is as follows:
The Red Hat is used first to get each persons orientation and perspectives or opinions at the outset to clear the air and see where everyone is coming from emotionally or from an agenda--or to prevent agendas.
The White Hat used next to get the full information less the emotions. Other rules are set forth and objectivity is now emphasized; perhaps here is where consensus may be derived or determined to launch the next mode.
The Yellow hat is used now to extend ideas with positive views; old ideas are not defended as with the Black Hat role.
Now apply the Green Hat to create new concepts or perspectives; this is, "Out of the Box" thinking. This is Dr. Edward deBono Lateral Thinking of fame.
Perhaps use a "Mixture of the White, Yellow, Green Hat" for more idea generation. (Here is the beginnings of FUTURLOGICS or synthesis of modes toward Holistic Thinking.) The Mixture of the Hats is not really explained in the copy of "Six Thinking Hats" that I have which is the First U. S. edition.
Yellow Hat is again used for the positive release and protection of "tender ideas". Which could be potential victims of the dreaded Black Hat.
Black Hat is now unchained to see which ideas can survive it's judgmentalizm even though the ideas the Black Hat rejects should not be rejected or deleted but should be logged as Black Hat rejects for historical reasons and for possible rescue later.
Then the Green and Yellow Hat gets it's turn to answer the Black Hat dismissals and discounting of value. Again the mysterious "Mixturing".
Now the Black Hat takes on its other role of pointing to risks, dangers and warnings that fortify the "defense of status quo" by judgments.
Blue Hat is now used to determine which of the proposed ideas in the controversy of Black and Yellow Hats that are worth the risk and danger or loss.
Blue Hat is the catch all Hat and How the Mixture Hat are defined.
And now perhaps the use of Intuitive release of the Red Hat to get a feel for the generated new ideas or appeal and hope.
Again the Yellow Hat dialogues with the Black Hat to get a work up of any ideas panned out of these interchanges. This could be a full blown argument style of thinking to proof out the resulting ideas of this Hats session.
Finally the Blue Hat sets out the strategy for thinking about planning and implementation. FUTURLOGICS lives in here as Prospective Thinking skills will thrive here.
Example of a FUTURLOGICS organically defined prospective thinking is as follows:
Start by reviewing known historical facts, legends, writings on the subject of the Session realizing of course that the past is not history. This is similar to the use of some facets of the Red Hat.
(A History of the past gives meaning and tradition. FUTURLOGICS retrospective cycle generates the Retrospective Mode to produce the Absolute Future or solution. This cycle is very defensive of the Old Ideas and has the effect of volitive restriction and blunts the creative edge. These expressions are usually so called "proven ideas")
Second take the scientific method and look at the project of the Session with a clinical approach. This is Similar to some facets of the White Hat.
(Observation gives us sequencial order,clarity, definition and quantification. FUTURLOGICS Observational Cycle generates the Observational Mode to produce the Natural Future or solution. This where we step back and look at the propositions in the neutral form of learning. These are ideas every body can see; or, arrive at consensus. This similar to the Scientific Approach to discovery)
Third let loose the imagination and project ideas by extended associations. This is similar to some facets of the Yellow Hat.
(Imagination gives us possibilities and brainstorms. FUTURLOGICS Imagination Cycle generates the Imaginary Mode to produce the Imaginary Future or solution. These are positive extentions or extrapolations and unusual associations. Perhaps thought production that generate ideas for the sake of ideas)
Forth conduct a "What IF?" session next and extend logically. This similar to some facets of Yellow Hat Thinking but brings in a shade of Green Hat Thinking also.
(Assumptions gives us movement (food for thought) and continuity in the face of the unknown; in other words at the frontiers. FUTURLOGICS Assumptive Cycle generates the Assumptive Mode to produce the Artificial Future or solution. These are "What If" extentions or extrapolations and Imaginative associations. This is where experiments and risks are suspended to see what really will happen. Proofs can be generated by assuming certain things are true for the sake of continuing the research. This is essentially a "dry lab" of the creative mode. Here is where the hypothesizing takes place.)
Fifth see what you can make happen or deliberately create now. This is similar to the creative facet of the Green Thinking Hat.
(Planning and Preparation leverages the making or designing of the future. FUTURLOGICS Creative Cycle generates the Creative Mode to produce the Synthetic Future or solution. This is the "Mixturing of the Hats" so mentioned. This is Synthesis not Analysis. Here is where ideas are reafied.)
Where is IT all going? Now envision the probable direction the discussion and discoveries will take this Session. This could be forced into the Blue Hats' responsibility; but, This part may be unique to FUTURLOGICS.
(Predicting and Prospective thinking uses where it is going to go farther. FUTURLOGICS Prospective Cycle generates the Prospective mode to produce the Paradign Future or solution. This is the nurture of the abstract ideas to see ahead. This is Visioning . This is where the ideas are projected up the timeline.)
The Paradigm Mode should reveal a "Paradigm Shift" as Thomas S. Kuhn called it. If you do not detect any transforming newness that is creative or at least innovative, then repeat cycle/modes streaming from beginning until there is detected at least a mild "paradigm shift". It really does not matter which of the FUTURE(s) have definite shift or a force to obsolete old knowledge.
At This stage of the Session as many as Six Futures are generated from the cycles and modes of FUTURLOGICS. Now we examine the futures to see the impact the newly generated ideas have on the six streams of thought. The defining streams in future terms cause a GENERALIZATION and/or ABSTRACTION of the streams which aids in synthesis of the streams to two streams.
This impact synthesis level could be called VISIONING of FUTURES as MODELS.
TIMELINE CONNECTED: We try to merge the Absolute, Natural, Paraigm Future to the Vision of the new knowledge.
INTELLIGENCE CONNECTED: We try to merge the Imaginary, Artificial, Synthetic Future to the Vision of the new knowledge.
DMP central action principle of VISIONING. Remember DMP is cycle free, mode free thinking. Now a free forum discussion is appropriate such as a Delphi Conference.
This is hat free or mode free thinking to generate a VISION of where it is going.
(MODAL Thinking is a method of thinking that ignors the other methods and is very focused in using this method exclusively.)
(MODEL Thinking is a method of thinking that synthesizes the other methods into its method. It is characterized by much unlearning as new things are introduced. and is very open to using this method inclusively.)
This method can loop through to produce the expanding spiral of thought that is the FUTURLOGICS method/principle.
Summary:
Whereas FUTURLOGICS is organically originated the "Six Thinking Hats" is Group originated.
FUTURLOGICS is "personal think". Once learned it is automatically self enhanced.
"Six Thinking Hats" is "group think". Once learned it is minimally useable as a metacognition technique and requires constant training and is enhance by group practice.
( There is a time to think and there is time to do otherwise. )
( Training the mind to capture and preserve first impressions can be very useful to creativity, insight, intuition. First Impressions, if not protected can be mutated by thinking that does not respect DMP of FUTURLOGICS. )
Again: FUTURLOGICS is both synthetic (Model) and analytic (modal) where "Six Thinking Hats" is primarily analytic except when the map and its colors are allowed to come together in a mixture.
The study of the future develops advanced thinking methods and models.
The principles of Prediction, Waiting(Scheduling),Preparation,Planning are improved by FUTURLOGICS and visa versa.
Models are the product of Inductive logic
Modals are the product of Deductive logic
DMP is a dual acronym for (D)irect (M)ind (P)erception and (D)irect (M)ental (P)rocess at once.
DMP is the product of the compound of Inductive and Deductive logic
DMP is true parallel thinking or Holistic Thinking.
Here are FUTURLOGICS parallel thinking modes/models :
Retrospective mode ... Absolute future
Observational mode ... Natural future
Imaginary mode ... Imaginary future
Assumptive mode ... Artificial future
Creative mode ... Synthetic future
Model mode ... Paradigm future
Spectrum of FUTURLOGICS parallel thinking modes/models :
Ignorance ... Unbelief ... Prejudice ... Denial ... Blackness
Retrospective mode ... Absolute future ... Red earth history and tradition
Observational mode ... Natural future ... Yellow physics of our sun and its science
Imaginary mode ... Imaginary future ... Blue sky and free thought of imagination
Assumptive mode ... Artificial future ... Orange choice, risk, subconscious gambling, passions
Creative mode ... Synthetic future ... Green synthesis of the leaf of the tree of creation
Model mode ... Paradigm future ... Violet integration of modal and model thought projection of the future
FUTURLOGICS ... Rainbow Spectrum ... a system to organize the spectrums of thought Text to read
DMP ... White light of intelligence and intuition
Man is the final unit of measure and is the fractile of the Universe.
QUESTION:
What relation has FUTURLOGICS with the "Six Thinking Hats" of Dr. Edward de Bono?
ANSWER:
The relation FUTURLOGICS has with the "Six Thinking Hats" of Dr. Edward de Bono is that many of the ideas in his thinking systems were implemented in the context of FUTURLOGICS © 1983 several years before his "Six Thinking Hats" © 1985. There is a benefit to reading Dr. de Bono's books as it will assist in getting comparative thinking or what is referred to by the author james n. hall as a "spur". (A spur is the the starting of a pearl in the oyster.) Of late Dr. de Bono technique has referenced the "Hat Free" thinking meeting forum, this is similar to DMP in that DMP is mode free and cycle free thinking. This is central to FUTURLOGICS thinking system. To use the terminology of Dr. de Bono work DMP can be compared though roughly to the consolidation of both "Vertical thinking and Lateral thinking." in a "parallel thinking" system. DMP is both (D)irect (M)ind (P)erception (Lateral Thinking); (D)irect (M)ental (P)rocess (Vertical thinking) done at once. DMP works in a "Parallel thinking" system until they unify in the concept of Holistic thinking or DMP as we call it; which is the dual acronym of "DMP". DMP is essential to dealing with the future as both a concept and an ulterior reality. The future is used to develop the higher thinking skills associated with our relations and activities twards futurity. The future strips off the "Hat thinking" some of us get locked into. What Dr. de Bono calls a HAT, FUTURLOGICS calls a MODE. DMP is "hat free thinking". Perhaps FUTURLOGICS could be termed "Blue Thinking" as it could control all the other hats in the different circles of use. Or alternatively after the "Six Thinking Hats" are turned to the future a system would or could be developed which would be identical to FUTURLOGICS. There are "Six Modes of Thinking" in the FUTURLOGICS which is similar to the "Six Thinking Hats" in concept. However there is also "Six Models of Thinking or FUTURES" in FUTURLOGICS which concept seems to be missing in the "Six Thinking Hats" version. FUTURLOGICS tries to eliminates "Hats" after they are created by turning them into models and then DMP. In the text of FUTURLOGICS the thinking system is compared to the rainbows colors and the kaleidoscopes colored variations.
Here are some quotes from two of Dr. de Bono books to prove that "Six Thinking Hats" has changed direction and is moving future.
Conclusion of the Edward de Bono book:
FUTURE POSITIVE © copyright 1979
"This book was never meant to be a blue-print for a positive future. We cannot design the future for there is too much uncertainty. But we can design our attitudes so that they are positive and flexible and will allow us to make a fuller use of the benifits which technology has provided."
Prologue of the Edward de Bono book:
"WHY SO STUPID?" How the human race has never really learned to think. © copyright about 2003
"YOU CAN ANALYZE THE PAST BUT YOU HAVE TO DESIGN THE FUTURE ..."
"New Thinking" of Dr. Edward de Bono includes the thinking that concerns the future.
As Dr. Edward de Bono moves to the future with his 'New Thinking', perhaps eventualy 'New Thinking' will become something like FUTURLOGICS .
QUESTION:
What is the overall difference between "SIX THINKING HATS" system and FUTURLOGICS?
ANSWER:
The "hats" cause compartmentalization of thought; where, FUTURLOGICS disables compartmentalization of thought. When a hat is "worn" the other hat is left behind such that that mode of thought is departed. FUTURLOGICS modes are used to see from another perspective and imparts it to the other mode information through complementation. For example, there are six sensory modes namely; sight, sound, smell, taste, touch, sense of balance (that is you can sense you are standing up or leaning back). These can work together to complement all thought as they are compartments and departments of the total contact with reality. Thus integrity is encourage through FUTURLOGICS.
QUESTION:
How do you see the de Bono hats system of thinking?
ANSWER:
It employs three tiers of six components namely:
PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: i.e. passion, intuition, opinion, feelings, objectivity, clinical observation, factual vs emotional, WHITE THINKING HAT vs RED THINKING HAT.
LOGICAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: i.e. judgment, evaluation, pessimism, optimism, looking for errors vs looking for good points, BLACK THINKING HAT vs YELLOW THINKING HAT
VOLITIONAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: "right brain vs left brain", focus thought vs divergence thought, thought generation vs thought efficiency, thinking about thinking vs thinking of thinking, choice reduction vs choice production, possibilities vs probabilities, organization and control vs free form and surprising, provocative vs calming, GREEN THINKING HAT vs BLUE THINKING HAT.
These tiers are bipolar in that they will retreat to a zone of action. The WHITE THINKING HAT lives in informational sources RED THINKING HAT lives in opinion and art. The BLACK THINKING HAT demands the "letter of the law" and fears the consequences of breaking rules and restraints of safety; and, the YELLOW THINKING HAT expects the "spirit of the law" and looks for intents rather than deeds. The GREEN THINKING HAT explores the edge of the map breaks trails, creates options, expands choices, generates new ideas, efficiency is measured in the number of new ideas produced where the BLUE THINKING HAT generalizes thought and consciousness is organized and systematized in one concerted focus, assimilates new ideas and efficiency is measured in terms of thought control.
QUESTION:
Why are both red hat thinking and white hat thinking are important?
ANSWER:
Just how involved with knowledge should we be at the emotional level? WHITE THINKING HAT and RED THINKING HAT gauge the investment with PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT with knowledge/thinking: i.e. passion, intuition, opinion, feelings, objectivity, clinical observation, factual vs emotional, The FUTURLOGICS can not work with out some beginning. Information and knowledge are first required to start. After a gathering of information is done perhaps in a "WHITE HAT" methodology of neutrality so that nothing is left out. Then the stakes or values must be applied to that knowledge by the "RED HAT" so that some priorities can put the information into a hierarchy at least as to our personal and social involvement. Passion is the whole reason for knowledge in the first place. Why would anyone pursue the acquisition of knowledge for the WHITE HAT mode alone? This is a so called neutral view or stance to begin the quest for knowledge. Neutrality will burn out sooner than the burning passion of the RED HAT. The passion of the WHITE HAT wearer must be to gather information as data; which suggest that there is passion for the general acquisition of knowledge but not for the specific aspects of that information. But without the personal involvement with the information there can be no knowledge. Computers process information better than humans. Humans process knowledge better than the most advanced Artificial Intelligence of the computer. Perhaps what I am proposing is that the Edward de Bono methodology could be a preliminary staging of the Futurlogical approach if there is a great deal of argumentation that prohibits the more cerebral treatment of the subject or objective by the FUTURLOGICS. This is due to the abstract nature of the unknown and the future. When there is a consensus perhaps the use of "Six Thinking Hats" method would be of value to stage the further more advanced research techniques in the FUTURLOGICS. But the use of future as a control to prevent opinion from taking over a view or point is the intended design. FUTURLOGICS would fail if people will not be brought to the equality that ignorance of the future should instill. In this case Everyone should put on the "White Hat" and just gather information with out comment or editorials. The one could begin evaluating the information with the "Red Hat" so that the feelings and opinions can be associated with specifics of the body of information. All this suggest that the higher up in an organization the FUTURLOGICS will be of greater usage as the pyramid of decision deals more with the future than the lower levels. I would hope though that a company would share their vision with all in the organization. This form of empowerment is very efficient if the talents and abilities of all concerned are working under a common company wide vision or mission statement..
QUESTION:
What is the "YELLOW HAT" in FUTURLOGICS terms?
ANSWER:
Simply the positive mental attitude or choosing the positive side of the coin or making the glass 'half full' instead of 'half empty' This policy does not diminish the use of negative logic. There is negative logic and positive logic. An exerpt of FUTURLOGICS that is an equivalent to 'YELLOW HAT' thinking will illustrate:
Our method of defining our surroundings has a lot to do with our attitude. Attitude can also turn anxiety to serenity and make the discordant become harmonious. Compare the man who sees a glass of water as half empty to the man who KNOWS it to be half full! A positive or negative view illustrates the effect of definition in thinking and in perception. The future should never be defined as "half empty" as a positive attitude is to be favored, at first, while studying the future, thus contributing to the full benefit of FUTURLOGICS. Pessimism versus optimism is an old debate; we have heard the benefits and detriments of either emphasized. Later we will see that these are merely tools of the good futurist. They should not be accepted as the complete approach. In the meantime, we are to remember while assuming the positive or the optimistic stance, how we define our world will influence how we live in the world.
QUESTION:
What is your educational background?
COMMENT:
Why does educational and academic strength and individual prowess mean so much to those who learn. Don't people have enough ability to detect the truth without an authority figure to point the the way. Who are the authorities of the doctorate level of academia? In pioneering research degrees sometime get in the way and provide too much educational inertia that prevents the flexible mind necessary for creativity to probe the unknown. Is there a degree in prediction of the future. I think not. But for the comfort of those threatened by new ideas Self Teaching Publications provides a short ACADEMIC BIO for james n. hall author of FUTURLOGICS. ACADEMIC BIO of james n. hall
ADDITIONAL QUOTE BY James: from FUTURLOGICS page 32:
In FUTURLOGICS, all the learning approaches are needed: the positive, the negative, and the neutral approaches of the scientific methods. However, emphasis will be placed with the positive approach as it is under-played in present educational procedures. Favoring any single approach will cause a narrow view, but to counter-balance the existing trends, stressing the positive approach is necessary. By definition, the positive approach accepts all new knowledge equally with present knowledge. No restrictive of inhibitive effect is seen with present knowledge upon newly-learned ideas. The negative approach suggest that existing knowledge is best and new ideas are admitted only after passing a test. This certification by proof implies lesser value of the new, and sets up a block between the new and the old. The scientific method accepts nothing until it is certified by objective proof. Things not seen are not admitted to exist. Other methods or approaches which may be blends of the three name threads of thoughts; i.e. positive, negative, neutral are not treated as they will be found to be effectively positive, negative or neutral anyway. This rating is to define the acceptance of new knowledge relative to old knowledge.
It is suggested here the "Black Hat" is the "negative approach" to learning and the "Yellow Hat" is the "positive approach" to learning in the FUTURLOGICS. Which leave the additional "neutral approach" to learning. vacant. It would seem that a "Hat" is missing in this metaphoric type. I wonder if the "Brown Thinking Hat" could be the missing hat of scientific thinking. Surely science and its approach to learning is distinct enough to be a style of thought. This could be a seventh thinking hat. Making a system of thinking called the "Seven Thinking Hats" for Ed deBono In FUTURLOGICS the scientific approach to learning is the "neutral approach" to learning. It can found in large successful businesses as the thought laboratories of Research and Development. R&D is a mark of prosperity. When a business is in failing posture R&D is the first to go as it downsizes.
Business Website for de BonoThis is Business Application of His Methods
QUESTION:
How does the "Green Thinking Hat" and the "Blue Thinking Hat fit into FUTURLOGICS?
COMMENT:
First there will never be a complete fit. FUTURLOGICS is both analysis and synthesis where the deBono system is mainly analysis. If you look mainly at the modal side of FUTURLOGICS there is some analogies in the "Hats" that will help those new to FUTURLOGICS coming in from the deBono system. The creative mode in the FUTURLOGICS can be thought of as "Green Thinking" but the model side of the Synthetic Future is not. Indeed the deBono side neglects the future and its effect upon thinking. Now "Blue Thinking Hat" which is essentially metacognition externalized to control the other "Hats" or modes is not defined as well as in the system of FUTURLOGICS. The Imaginary Mode, Assumptive Mode and the Paradigm Mode can be thought of as "Blue" thinking but really DMP is the overseer of thinking about thinking or metacognition. DMP is "insight and intuition" which by their role in common sense and the thoughtfulness of man is a natural control point of discussion or research. However common sense is less common than is hope to be now and because of this the ordering methods in the "Six Thinking Hats" is probably more suited to strong opinions where common sense is not the quieting "voice of reason". FUTURLOGICS is advanced abstract thinking which is future directed or directed by the future. Therefore the inability to resolve each mode and alternate between them to be selective to all the modes at will will cause FUTURLOGICS to be analytical only and synthesis is not easily brought to the fore in the discussion. Synthesis of all the mode of FUTURLOGICS is the distinguish mark of difference between the hats and FUTURLOGICS. In FUTURLOGICS common sense with intuition and insight is "Blue Thinking". Common sense should rule discussion except where idea generation is specifically the purpose of discussion. But that is in the brainstorming techniques. It takes a moment of insanity to realize a new truth. Therefore common sense is a tool of thought that must be used heuristically.
QUESTION:
What is metaphoric thinking?
ANSWER:
When ever the unknown is searched or researched the tool of the metaphor will be present. It is by the metaphor that we extend thought and language. FUTURLOGICS and "Six Thinking Hats" use metaphors to approach the problem or future. However the ideal in FUTURLOGICS is be free of modes and develop models to synthesize thought. Models differ from metaphor in the exactness and detail and dimension. With a metaphor we say something is something else. Example 'she is a rose' and by this meaning is conveyed. A model will always know that the model is a map or a scale of the greater reality. FUTURLOGICS starts with metaphor but advances to the use of the ideal. Example 'the rose shadows in her beauty'.
QUESTION:
What is logical oscillation?
ANSWER:
This is best explained by a reference to examples. The first example is given by next two sentences:
>> The fo:llowing sentence is true.
>>
The preceeding sentence is false.
Of note here is the next question: "what is a logical
circulation?". It is
illustrated by the following sentences:
>> The third sentence is true.
>> The
forth sentence is true.
>> The second sentence is
false.
>> The first sentence is false.
Since there is not an external point of view. But the sentences deals with each other by a mutuality it will oscillate, as to their mutual referencing. Often a debate will have or use such an oscillation. For the PRO is given and the CON is given and the observer of both sides of the controversy will judge the strength of each. The convincing arguments of each is evaluated for the given side. It is said that a third side position is the place of Judge of the debate.
As with the two above exampled sentences the place of judgment is at one time with the first sentence then moves to the second sentence and then moves to the first sentence in oscillation. In the "Six thinking Hats" the point of judgment is the "Current Hat". And move to each Hat in it's turn and thus the logic also changes with each "Hat". Since the current hat is the point of judgment or in other words the point of reference. All the hats create a logical circulation among the hats. The "Six Thinking Hats" system then requires a judge or a moderator to reference a hat. All hats cannot be worn at once therefore to evaluate the six dialogues of each hat each hat needs to be looked at with a hatless position to get balance.
All this comes from analysis of the positions of "Hats". All logical oscillations or logical circulations require a synthesis of a "hat free seminar" to conclude or finalize the non referential logical wars between the positions or "Hats" or modes.
In FUTURLOGICS the goal is DMP or the synthesis of all logics or modes to models merge into a final place or holistic point of reference. The direction of FUTURLOGICS is the final point or place of judgment. So no meaningless oscillations occur. Now "logical oscillation" is a desirable thing when the proliferation of thought for idea generation is the end. Thus analysis is the goal when thought is needed to be generated. But synthesis is the advantage when referencing a judgment is required.
Neither of the example sentences is true or false but are elements of thought without reality. So there are "true things" and there are "false things" and there are "neither things" or things that are just in imagination and cogitation. (Figments of imagination and thought.) A figment can be of great import as they lead to the acknowledgment of truth and falsity.
QUESTION:
In a nut shell, 'Six Frames' is supposed to be a deliberate &
disciplined framework for one to think about information, from
the
standpoint of purpose, accuracy, point of view, interest,
value &
outcome.
In practice the 'Six Frames' are
perspectives, each
represented by a simple metaphoric icon :
'Triangle', 'Circle',
'Square', 'Heart', 'Diamond' & 'Slab'
respectively.
Can FUTURLOGICS be used to do this same assessment of information.?
ANSWER:
Yes, but first Dr. de Bono is getting in closer to FUTURLOGICS
every
book he writes. Notice the six as his favorite number of
mental
tricks or metaphors. The future is like the avalanche of
information
we are experiencing with this information age and the
driving force
of computer technology. You know that thinking will
become more
important than information when the software
is/becomes cloned to
everyone. Custom software will be either
expensive or sold to all
very quickly. Therefore the difference
will be the ability to out think
the competition, if free
enterprise survives to be viable.
First mode of FUTURLOGICS
is the retrospective mode of the
Absolute Future. Here we find
meaning and the genesis of all
information. Purpose is the inertia
of history. But purpose is not
enough. We have to find our
personal place and meaning in the
information coming from the past
or out there.
Therefore:
first review or determine the history of the information cloud.
Second scan
the present
ongoing issue of information from the
“printing
presses/computers/internet.” This the observational mode and is
the
attempt to see the relevance of the information with respect to
the
cloud. This is de Bono accuracy metaphor.
Third imagine
possibilities and missing data from the information
probe
alternative information sources. This the imaginative mode and
model
in action or the various “points of view.”
Forth seek
actionable information that hit the ground running, or
were the
rubber meets the road. Risk and reward make the search
here
interesting
as de Bone has postulated. This is the assumptive mode or
the
Judgment phase of FUTURLOGICS.
Fifth organize,
synthesize, synergize, reify, and as de Bone puts it value
the
information. To plan ,prepare, engineer, define scope.
Sixth project
into the future and use the future to do more projection
into the
future. Build a vision to the future here. This the
prospective
mode/model of the FUTURLOGICS
paradigm.
De Bono calls this mode
outcome. This where de Bone is recreating
FUTURLOGICS.
He is
beginning to see the light and the spectrum of FUTURLOGICS
method.
2 Timothy 3:7
verse 7 Ever learning, and never able to come to
the knowledge of the truth.
Spock needed Captain Kirk and the good Doctor "Bones"
and Scotty etc. to get
to the truth.
MORE Questions and Answers forthcoming please check back soon
created 03/29/2000
revision and addition 08/29/2001
revision and addition 10/09/2001 Question answered on Hats
revision and addition 10/10/2001 Question answered on Yellow Hat
revision and addition 10/10/2001 Cleaned up formating and change color
revision and addition 10/24/2001 change background colour to white
revision and addition 10/20/2001 added reference to academic
bio due
complaints and added entry concerning right and left
brain metaphor.
revision and addition 10/27/2001 added reference to black and
yellow
hats and suggested that there should be a "brown hat"
of science.
revision and addition 11/01/2001 added reference to Green and Blue Hats
revision and addition 01/30/2002 comment concerning metaphoric thought.
revision and addition 02/03/2002 comment concerning creative thought.
revision and addition 03/28/2002 mass data technique.
revision and addition 04/06/2002 What cause thinking answered.
addition 07/28/2002 recursive thinking.
addition 04/24/2003 logical oscillation thinking.
addition 04/4/2005 New Thinking from de Bono mentioned .
addition 12/30/2010 Specified content to be Hat related only .
addition 10/25/2011 Fixed format some what and added link to current business method of de Bono .
LAST addition 03/6/2013 More formating