Synthetic Thinking vs Analytical Thinking
You might have heard of analytical thinking. But
What is synthetic thinking?
Even though Synthetic thinking is the natural way of how our mind thinks, we are not aware of it all the time
Let's dive in and see how this works.
Analytical Thinking
Take every part of the function apart
Explain the behavior of every part separately
Aggregate explanation of every part combines together to form an understanding of the whole
It asks what is causing the problem and will make a hierarchy of all the functions to look for the most fundamental one’s.
Synthetic Thinking
Take the part as part of a larger whole
Explain the behavior of the containing whole
Dis-aggregate the understanding of the whole into an understanding of the parts, to explain the identifying role or function of a system in the larger system of which it is a part.
It ask why the problem is there and start thinking upwards the tree with problem being the smallest entity.
As you can see in the above picture, analytic thinking aims to break down a problem into smaller, independent atomic parts to look for its root cause, synthetic thinking groups information together, it look for more holistic view of problem and try to see what other factors are effecting the problem and optimize those causes to solve the problem.
In summary analysis tries to understand the nature of something that already exists by breaking it down into several parts or constituent characteristics. And synthesis combines various things that already exist into something that does not yet exist. Analysis only deals with how something works and cannot deal with why it works the way it does, which requires stepping back outside the thing itself.
For example, decomposing a physical substance into increasingly minute molecules, atoms, and particles to investigate its properties is analysis. While, constructing a new machine with various small components to make a new substance is synthesis. Which is another form of creativity, synthesis leads to creative and innovative solutions to a problem.
Applications of Analytical thinking
Analytical thinking works best with logical things, like machines, computer technology and other areas of science where algorithm and logic is king. Logic assumes a limited number of ways to solve a problem. It keeps a well defined architecture of how things are connected with each other.
Applications of Synthetic thinking
Synthetic thinking works best when there is no well defined path of how the problem arise and how it can be solved. Industries and problem statements which deal of natural forces and human factor, natural resources & human behaviors can’t be predicted and analysed like analytical logic gates and algorithms. There are infinite ways to enable the same situation with lot of other handlers and enablers. Synthetic thinking groups information, look for a patterns, connect the dots to form a holistic view and try to see other factors which are effecting the problem.
But since no problem is 100% logical and everything is intricately connected with humans and nature, its hard to define when to use analytical thinking and when to go for synthetic thinking. Here comes the Savior, System thinking.
System thinking
System thinking says the true solution to a problem can only be found by examining the design of the larger system in which the problem exists. It considers all the parts of the whole system and goes back to very basic elementary parts to see how everything is connected with each other. This “start with the whole and work back down to the broken part so you know why the part is broken not just which part is broken” is a radical and upside-down way of thinking. With systemic view of problem solving, problems dissolve, at once forever!
System thinking bring the best of the two worlds, Analysis + Synthesis = Innovation which leads to innovation and can do wonders when applied. System thinking tries to optimize use of technology for human needs in best possible ways which can do wonders and leads to innovation. Its rare to find an invention which don’t harm overall system of this planet but we are striving to optimize the gains and losses to find a balance that comes with it, and system thinking provides a holistic framework to look fine that thin line where usefulness and innovation meets.
When you go to doctor, it happens more often than not that when one disease gets cured some new disease arises, and the loop goes on and on. Some medicine for headache may be lethal for your digestive system and vice versa. Did you realize what’s going on here ?
Challenges with system thinking
Systems thinking at its very core - is a discipline that involves thinking differently. It involves thinking in terms of various systems, very frequently and continuously which is not how we’ve been taught to think.
We’ve been taught to become specialists. From engineer, doctors, lawyers, sports, politics and so on. Most of us specialize in one field of a big system. Very few of us are lucky enough to become generalists.
In case of doctors and medicines, the one who cures stomach doesn’t care much about how it will effect your heart or any other part of body. They give medicines to cure stomach aches in best possible manner which one gets cured gives rise to a new set of diseases. This is where system thinking comes in the form of ayurvedic medicines which comes with a promise of no side effect.
The saying “ Jack of all trades, master of none” promotes specialist and its useful when it comes to life critical specialized profession, like doctor, surgeon, pilot. But “a little knowledge about a lot of things” is very useful because it helps us to see the connections between things that don’t necessarily appear to have obvious connections. A little knowledge of every field can bring multidisciplinary understanding of a problem from diverse perspectives.
Russell Ackoff was a big name in establishing system thinking the way it is now, He was the Einstein of problem solving. Here is a legendary speech by Russell Ackoff on system thinking and how it has shapes our world view. This lecture reshaped my whole worldview, I am sure it will shake your too, if your are curious to deep dive into system thinking.
That’s all for this week.
Till then
Stay hungry, stay curious.
Sneha Prajapati
@dystopianchocolade
@kenwilbur