Logical construction of creative thinking in scientific cognition

Abstract

The aim of the study was to identify the regularities of interaction between logical and creative thinking in scientific cognition through philosophical, educational, and empirical analysis. The methodology included theoretical analysis of philosophical concepts, content analysis of educational programmes at three Kazakh universities (Farabi University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, and Kazakh-British Technical University) and a questionnaire survey of Master’s students, doctoral students, and young researchers. The findings showed that logical and creative thinking function as complementary elements of scientific cognition: logical thinking structures reasoning, while creative thinking ensures flexibility and originality. Courses related to logical and critical thinking were identified in all three universities, whereas creative-thinking components were more often embedded in project and research activities than presented as separate disciplines. The empirical study involved 30 respondents. Logical thinking was considered “very important” by 66.7 %, while 73.3 % recognised creative thinking as essential for scientific discovery. Deduction, induction, brainstorming, and analogy were the most frequently reported methods. Half of the respondents considered an equal balance between logic and creativity optimal. The results may support educational strategies aimed at developing both analytical and creative abilities in future researchers.