Integrating epistemic knowledge and logical reasoning skills in adult cognitive development

This chapter presents major theories of the development of logical reasoning skills and epistemological beliefs. Both forms of thinking are needed in understanding and evaluating knowledge in various problem-solving and decision-making situations in the everyday life of highly complex societies and also in advanced expertise work. The historical basis and the main lines of research traditions of both logical reasoning and epistemic knowledge are presented. The connections between them will be described based on an empirical study. The results showed that the two approaches of scientific thinking, logical thinking, and conceptions of scientific thinking (epistemological beliefs) are related to each other. They seem to have connections which should be taken into account in further studies. The implications of the findings will be discussed regarding the challenges of our modern societies and the demands of working life.