Question

Aldrich is a nineteen-year-old college sophomore writing a term paper on the topic of honesty. At first, he believes in the saying that "honesty is always the best policy" and gathers substantial evidence in support of this statement. However, as his research progresses, he begins to consider an opposing viewpoint that proposes, in some cases, that "honesty can prove to be harmful and even destructive." Aldrich's ability to synthesize these two opposing positions on a given issue represents a new level of cognitive flexibility in early adulthood known as _______.
a. adaptive logic.
b. dialectical thinking.
c. bimodal thought.
d. ideological cognition.

Answer 1

Answer: b. dialectical thinking.

Explanation:

Dialectical thinking is a way of reasoning in which the person thinks and synthesis the two opposing viewpoints on the same situation, topic or object. The dialectical thinking is a feature of one's cognitive ability.

The dialectical thinking is supported by the new experiences and interpersonal interaction with the daily life situations.

According to the given situation, here, Aldrich is showing a change in opinion about the same topic. This is the outcome of the dialectical thinking which has been generated due to comparison between previously known facts that honesty is a best policy but honesty is not always beneficial for the person thus has created two opposing view points. This is the outcome of development of the cognitive flexibility.