Lateral Thinking vs. Logical Thinking: A Distinction
The distinction between lateral and logical thinking hinges on the definition of logical thinking. If logical thinking means effective thinking, lateral thinking is included; but if it means a sequential step-by-step correct process, they are distinct.
THE IDEA
Since all effective thinking is really logical thinking then lateral thinking is just a part of logical thinking
This objection may seem to be just a semantic quibble. Obviously it does not matter at all whether lateral thinking is regarded as distinct from logical thinking or as part of logical thinking so long as one understands its true nature. If by logical thinking one just means effective thinking then lateral thinking must obviously be included. If by logical thinking one means a sequence of steps each of which must be correct then lateral thinking is clearly distinct.
If the objection takes into account the information handling behaviour of the mind then it becomes more than a semantic quibble. For in terms of this behaviour it is logical to be illogical. It is reasonable to be unreasonable. If this was not so then I would not be writing a book about it. Here again however one is using logical in terms of ‘effective’ and not as the operational process we know.
In practice the inclusion of lateral thinking under logical thinking only blurs the distinction and tends to make it unusable — but not unnecessary.
When to use it
When stuck on a business strategy, use lateral thinking techniques like random word association to generate new possibilities.
In education, design puzzles that require students to think outside the box, fostering creativity alongside logic.
In psychology, apply lateral thinking to help clients reframe cognitive distortions and see alternative perspectives.
In product design, encourage brainstorming sessions that prioritize quantity and novelty over immediate feasibility.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
The Nine Dots Puzzle
A classic lateral thinking problem where the solver must draw four straight lines through nine dots without lifting the pen, requiring thinking outside the perceived square boundary. Solving it requires stepping beyond sequential logic.
Brainstorming Session
In a business meeting, team members generate wild, unusual ideas without immediate criticism. This lateral approach often leads to innovative solutions that a purely logical, step-by-step process might miss.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
How do you define logical thinking in your daily problem-solving? Is it a step-by-step process or a broader effective approach?
Can you think of a situation where being 'illogical' actually led to a better outcome?
How might you combine lateral thinking with traditional logical reasoning to solve a complex problem?
Often confused with
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Lateral Thinking A Textbook of Creativity (Edward de Bono)