1. Linear, Non Linear Thought, and Fuzzy Logic in My Thought Processes
Human thought processes have many characteristics that shape the way everyday
people carry out tasks and process information. Over the ages, thought processes have
evolved to change with surroundings and the level of personal interaction. Technology
and multitasking has been a major driving force in the change of human thought
processes. Non Linear thinking is becoming more predominant than the use of linear
thinking. Ambiguity allows for doubt and uncertainty and without fuzzy logic, true
meanings may never be determined.
Linear thinking is thinking inside the box, it is straight forward, cut and dry. It is a
“follow the recipe” method of thinking that takes information at face value and thinks
directly on a task without ever trying to read into the information to find hidden
meanings. Linear thinking is a very effortless way of thinking. One does not need to
worry about reading for a hidden meaning of a stimulus. The problem with linear
thinking is that it leaves nothing to interpretation. Humans would turn into mere robots
or computers without a more colorful thought process.
To be concise, linear thinking is thought when there is a direction to follow.
Psychology: The Science of Behaviour illustrates an example of linear thought as an
algorithm, which is a procedure that consists of series of steps that if followed in the
correct sequence will provide a solution. Linear thought is following a direct path to
solve a problem. The advantages of linear thinking are that it is an excellent way of
processing or communicating with inputs that are not of a deceptive nature. Processing
and conveying information is much more efficient and easier if linear thought processes
are always used. The disadvantage to linear thinking is that many problems are not tidy
or straight forward enough to allow for it to be effective. This ineffectiveness is where
nonlinear thinking bridges the gap.
Nonlinear thinking is a method of thinking that is outside of the box. According to
Nonlinear Thinking, it is a process available for humans to use when complexity is
introduced into a scenario or stimuli. Non linear thinking is a straightforward necessity
driven thought process that can evolve creative solutions based on self revealing
indicators. It is reading into a stimuli or input to find a meaning or a direction in which to
act out a response. Compared to linear thinking, it is a “make up a recipe or change it as
you go” method of thought.
Psychology, the Science of Behaviour states that heuristics are an example of
nonlinear thought. A heuristic is a general rule that is useful in guiding ones search for a
path to the solution of a problem. Heuristics allow one to know what strategies to
formulate, what inputs to ignore, and to what inputs to pay heed. Non linear thinking
with heuristics can be very specific or it can be quite general, applying to large categories
of processes and problems. A general heuristic method is the means-ends analysis. It is
a problem solving technique involving a search for differences between the current state
and the goal state and seeking solutions to reduce the difference in these states. The
merit of nonlinear thinking is its excellence for problem solving and performing

2. processes that are “no-brainers.” Nonlinear thought allows one to take steps to reduce the
distance from the current state to the goal, using operators to reach intermediate
milestones. If obstacles are encountered, sub goals can be created to alleviate these
obstacles. The main problem with nonlinear thought comes with encountering simple
problems that require cut and dry procedures. Nonlinear thought can create more than
enough contemplation required; creating more thinkers than doers making the road to a
solution even longer.
My thought processes are quite convoluted in their methods of solving problems and
everyday tasks. I would definitely say that I am a nonlinear thinker; but not entirely.
There are many aspects in my life that I apply nonlinear thinking or heuristics. I am
constantly thinking and reevaluating what I am doing and if it is the best course of action
for the direction I am heading in. Nonlinear thinking dominates this aspect of my thought
as I am trying to think of new ways to squeeze an extra minute out of the way or schedule
my work in order to maximize effectiveness.
Linear thought is also apparent in my cognitive processes. Although nonlinear
thought predominates most of my thinking, linear thought kicks in once I have
undertaken a task and know what my solution will be. For example, if I know that I need
to get an assignment done, but I have an exam the next day and I need to meet a professor
for another topic, I use nonlinear thinking to devise the most efficient way to study and
schedule meetings to reach each of these objectives. But once I have this objective set,
my mind will regress into a linear way of thought to “muscle” my way through a task,
when doing is more important than planning. I am known for thinking too much and this
is such the case; sometimes in the middle of an arbitrary task, I will stop entirely and
second guess if it is the most effective method, which is a definite disadvantage when
haste is required.
Dictionary.com affirms that Fuzzy logic was introduced by Dr. Lofti Zadeh of UCB
in the 1960’s as a means to model the uncertainty of natural language. Natural language
is the language written or spoken by humans as opposed to computer language used in
systems and code. Artificial intelligence has an extremely difficult time dealing with
natural language due to its complexity, irregularity, ambiguity, and the philosophical
problem of meanings. Fuzzy logic is used to allow artificial intelligence to better
understand human natural language instead of specific voice commands.
Fuzzy logic is not constrained to artificial intelligence alone; it is also used by people
everyday. Without fuzzy logic, we would not be able to communicate effectively,
everything would be taken at par value and communication would become lifeless.
Fuzzy logic allows humans to deal with ambiguity. Ambiguity is best defined as an
expression whose meaning cannot be determined from its context. An example of fuzzy
logic dealing with ambiguity is any pair of spouses or significant others interacting with
one another. If person x does something that upsets person y, but y does not want to
make a big deal out of it, they would say “I am not upset.” X should (but not always) be
able to read body language, tone of voice, and overall mood of y to see through the

3. ambiguity of that statement to realize that y is really upset. Males are not known to be
able to see through this ambiguity on many occasions :).
I have encountered ambiguity on several occasions. Everyday communication is full
of abstractions that need to be unraveled using fuzzy logic. I am the Director of the
Carleton University Engineering Orientation week or Engfrosh. A great example of
ambiguity was during the past month when I have been holding interviews for orientation
week positions. These interviews have been chock full of ambiguity. Some interviewees
have been very timid in answering questions, leaving a lot of uncertainty, while others
have been outright in their meaning. I have been using fuzzy logic extensively to
determine the real meaning and agenda of those individuals I have been interviewing to
see if they would be well suited to work with my team and myself. Without fuzzy logic I
would have been quite the fool on a few choices if I had taken what has been said for face
value.
Linear thinking is thought under a predetermined direction; great for quick and easy
problems and processes. Nonlinear thinking is thinking outside the box, creating a
direction in which to act. This is advantageous in scenarios that are complex, not cut and
dry. Fuzzy logic is a skill used by humans and being adapted to artificial intelligence to
understand the true meaning of ambiguous human natural language. I have used all three
of these thought processes in everyday life. I think nonlinearly to plan out my solutions
and linearly to act on them. I use fuzzy logic to read body language, tone of voice and
other traits to rule out uncertainty and find the true meaning of statements and
communicate effectively.
References
Carlson, Niel and Biskist, William and Enzle, Micheal and Heth, Donald (2000)
Psychology: The Science of Behaviour (Ontario, Canada Prentice Hall)
Nonlinear Thinking (2004), http://www.nonlinearthinking.com/nlt/index.htm
Dictionary.com (2004), http://www.dictionary.com
Copyright. Jocques Butler, Ottawa, Canada. March 2004.