Deanna Kuhn

The Development of Thinking, Argumentation, and Epistemic Cognition

Deanna Kuhn (1944 - ) is a highly influential contemporary cognitive developmental psychologist known for her extensive research on the development of thinking, reasoning, and particularly, argumentation skills across the lifespan. While not strictly a Neo-Piagetian in the same lineage as Case or Demetriou, her work deeply explores how individuals construct their understanding of knowledge itself and how this epistemic cognition underpins increasingly sophisticated forms of problem-solving and critical thought.

Kuhn’s core contribution lies in her focus on how individuals develop the ability to:

Distinguish between Theory and Evidence: A central theme in her work is the progression in children’s and adolescents’ capacity to differentiate between their own beliefs (theories) and the evidence that supports or refutes those beliefs. She argues that this ability is crucial for objective reasoning and learning.
Engage in Argumentation: Kuhn has meticulously mapped the development of argumentative skills, moving from simpler forms of assertion to complex, multi-sided arguments where individuals can:
Generate genuine arguments and counterarguments.
Evaluate the strength of evidence.
Coordinate theories with evidence effectively.
Anticipate and address opposing viewpoints. She sees argumentation not just as a social skill but as a fundamental cognitive process critical for robust thinking and problem-solving.
Develop Epistemic Cognition (Metacognitive Understanding of Knowing): Kuhn’s work illuminates how individuals progress through different epistemological “stances” or theories of knowledge. This includes moving from:
Absolutist: Knowledge is objective and certain; knowing means acquiring “the truth.”
Multiplist: Knowledge is subjective and resides in personal opinion; all opinions are equally valid.
Evaluativist: Knowledge is uncertain but can be judged and evaluated based on evidence and criteria; knowing means evaluating and integrating different perspectives to construct a reasoned position. This development in understanding how knowledge is constructed and evaluated is key to higher-order reasoning.

Overall Contributions of Kuhn’s Work:

Focus on Everyday Thinking: Kuhn often studies cognitive development in the context of everyday reasoning and problem-solving, rather than solely abstract logical tasks, demonstrating how sophisticated thinking skills are applied to real-world dilemmas.
Emphasis on Metacognitive Control: Her research highlights the importance of metacognitive processes—the ability to reflect on and regulate one’s own thinking—as a driving force behind the development of critical thinking and effective argumentation.
Implications for Education: Kuhn’s findings have profound implications for educational practice, advocating for pedagogical approaches that actively engage students in debate, critical analysis, and the development of argumentative skills to foster robust intellectual development.

In essence, Deanna Kuhn’s work provides a compelling account of how individuals develop sophisticated thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving capacities by progressively refining their understanding of knowledge itself and mastering the complex art of argumentation. Her insights are vital for understanding the cognitive underpinnings of critical thought and intellectual maturity.