The Ladder of Inference is a mindfulness, critical thinking and communication tool first proposed by Chris Argyris, which describes how the a human brain moves from one piece of data (like a comment you heard, something you observed, or something you saw/read), through a series of mental processes ending in a conclusion in the mind.  The brain then stores that information, similar to a computer hard drive, to then utilize the information to make sense of future reality.  

Sometimes known as the “Process of Abstraction,” the Ladder of Inference tool can help one better understand the steps in the thinking process which often leads to inaccurate conclusions and judgements which then influences dysfunctional dynamics.  It can help one better understand the socialization process which all humans experience.  It is important to realize that this thinking process starts the moment you are born into the world and some would argue it actually starts the moment you are conceived.  And it is critical you realize that the brain creates inferences all day long, every day and the process literally can happen in less than two seconds.  The human brain is truly an amazing system with unbelievable power. 

Often people are not aware of the beliefs and assumptions underlying the data selection and the inferences which were drawn in the mind.  This can create vicious cycles because our current beliefs get anchored in our mental model and have an effect on how we perceive and react to reality in the future.  This often causes people to jump to conclusions and ignore objective data altogether.  At the same time, If people did not use past experience to interpret and categorize the world, we would be absolutely lost. It then would be impossible to learn from experience.

The key is to learn how to be present with the experience without reacting to assumptions that have been unchecked or are based on our own unconscious biases and subjectivity.

General Purposes of The Ladder of Inference include:

• To help one better understand the thinking process 
• To illustrate the socialization process 
• To help people learn to test their assumptions and communicate more authentically

Connection with Learning to Work with Meaning:

• Increases one’s ability to be more mindful in his/her life work – makes it easier to learn to witness your own presence or be a 3rd person to yourself.
• Can liberate one from being attached to certain thought patterns and can increase emancipatory learning
• Assists with building conscious and authentic work cultures