Although we will discuss animal intelligence, we will focus on human cognition. Sometimes we want to be alone with our thoughts. There is a simplicity and complexity that comes when thinking. We can be “lost” in thought, “centered” or making “mental leaps.” We feel like thinking, pondering, problem solving and story telling (which are all a part of cognition) are what make us unique.
Early theories of psychology were used to study perception but not the larger issues of thinking, deciding and problem solving. Gestalt psychology was a pre-cognitive theory. In contrast to behavioral approaches, Gestalt thinking allowed for the value of thinking.
