The Cognitive Activity of the Forensic Expert: Basic Forms of Thinking and the Problem of Comprehension

Abstract

The essence of the forensic activities is the research performed by a knowledgeable person. The basis for such research is his process of thinking. The article addresses the main forms of thinking which are involved in the professional training of an expert and his subsequent practice: analytical, synthesizing, logical, theoretical, empirical, intuitive irrational, rational and comprehension. The application of various forms of thinking is analyzed using examples from the work of forensic construction experts.The author demonstrates that a forensic expert should have a clear idea of how to consciously organize his ideas related to professional activity applying some self-control. This is necessary to ensure a clear structure and a strict, logically verified sequence of mental operations performed during research and within the framework of forensic activities. Higher level thinking paves a shorter and more reliable path to understanding the cognitive problems an expert is facing.