6. Spectrum, scope, range

What are we talking about? This is a key question that is answered using the understanding of scope or range. In mathematics, it is the concept of 'set' or 'universe'.

Suppose you and your friends were discussing the world's best athlete. You would consider all the athletes who exist. The universe that you would consider would be all athletes.

However, if you were discussing whom the best baseball player is, and were only talking about baseball, then the universe (scope, range, what is included in your thought) would be limited to baseball players.

This is the key function of this way of thinking - it allows you to cut down on (limit) the things you have to consider when thinking about something. You don't have to worry about football, basketball, hockey or badminton when you are limiting your spectrum (what you are considering) to only baseball.

This process involves carefully defining what you are thinking about and therefore relies on the first critical thinking skill, definition of terms.

Often, the process of understanding/defining the scope or limiting the scope of a question, issue or problem can help lead to an answer, an insight or a solution.

How big is it? Does the issue affect everyone, or only a small part of the whole group? This question is often answered by determining the scope of the problem. It is not sufficient (alone it is not enough - insufficient) to solve the problem, but it is a necessary (required) step towards an answer.

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