The lost art of critical thinking slowly succumbs to a primordial decay of the truth. Fact fades to fiction on purpose. To that, the essay critiques the traditional academic approaches to the rhetorical psychobabble from the "social studies arena", a bastion of pseudoscience cloaked in an enigma of ideological sleight of hand. Masked as "scientific methodology", the binary context asserts two-dimensional thinking. A paradigm shift, particularly in law enforcement, is needed throughout society from binary (two-dimensional) thinking, characterized by emotional reactivity, cognitive biases, superficiality of conjecture, and rigid perpetuation of consensus. More intensive training in critical thinking and quantum consciousness, as well as advancements in forensic sciences, are needed. Educational systems require multidimensional analysis that incorporates real sciences, technology, and profound ideological insight, for enhanced tradecraft.

     Beyond binary thinking implies a paradigm shift in standard, rudimentary thinking and action regarding law enforcement operations. It opens up a new perspective, challenging the traditional binary approach. Outside academia, the real world presents a wide range of encounters that challenge the applicability of philosophy versus science. Problematically, academic pursuits in the liberal arts within academia are often misleading regarding scientific efficacy. For instance, in various academic programs of criminology, misdirection is fostered by the frequent use of the word "science" in so-called higher education. For some researchers, the question arises: Where is the instruction in the sciences? Answer: There are no science courses, except the basic required one or two at the baccalaureate level. After that, a graduate and post-graduate degree (e.g., M.A., Ph.D.) does not require real science courses. Instead, there is a play on words, a dogma, even an ideology, often a mantra, that babbles about something called "the scientific method".

     A better frame of reference is using the word "pseudoscience". This shift towards multidimensional thinking in law enforcement is a step towards enlightenment and open-mindedness. Real science encompasses the natural, subatomic, and organic worlds, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, and quantum mechanics. And, for this discourse, pseudoscience is not intended to be dismissive, condescending, or negatively implied. On the contrary, it is offered as a process whereby philosophy attempts to converge with science for real-world applicability. When discussing areas of study in domains of the "social studies arena". The use of this phraseology refers to degree programs in criminology, psychology, sociology, and theology, to name a few. These are non-scientific and, by extension, are adventures in metaphysics, which is as close as the schools of thought get to science. No doubt, others will disagree, and that is how philosophical viewpoints work.

     There is no single, all-encompassing, comprehensive, or definitive answer to anything. As philosophies in the "social studies arena" attempt to compete for ideological certainties, science remains fluctuating with probabilities for the possibility of certainty.  All too frequently, standard operating thinking is intentionally constrained to a two-dimensional conception in the "social studies arena" undergraduate spheres. This limited thinking process fails to significantly encompass the depth of applied critical thinking analysis that carries over from academia into the various criminal justice career fields. In fact, in a gluttonous consumer society, thinking is less important than consuming. With that comes the constant shortsighted perversions of greed, often encountered in a diverse typology of corporate and governmental corruption.

     And yet, that is the typical degree often sought in pursuit of a law enforcement occupation. A redundancy of limited perspectives yearns for transformation from instructor to student. Again, a paradigm shift is relevant. As considered herein, law enforcement tradecraft requires rigorous intellectual alacrity and physical proficiency to confront a wider range of social issues. Tradecraft refers to the variety of general and specialized methods, tactics, tools, techniques, etc., whereby skill sets develop expertise to assert problem-solving capabilities. Naturally, there are human-made complications. These include budgetary constraints, political aberrations, and varying levels of incompetence. Those aside, the tradecraft also includes the blending and adaptations of technical capabilities through education and practical experience. From both strategic and tactical perspectives, including technological imperatives, preliminary investigations, and forensic intelligence acquisitions, high-level, critical analysis is involved.

     At the entry-level, applicants and recruits in the law enforcement field should carefully evaluate their college curriculum. The emphasis should be on more science and technology degrees. Forensic analytical skills necessitate more precision than mere opinion or point of view. What is the scientific validation behind an assessment? A framework of 'investigative thought' goes beyond emotional reactivity, wishful thinking, and cognitive bias. In a high-tech world, changing environments require readiness to respond by virtue of more evolved thinking processes. Modern tradecraft summons the capabilities for venturing beyond three-dimensional constraints. Historically, education, training, and associated methodologies are rooted in a 'binary scope of reactivity. In academia, for example, instructional delivery typically follows a basic two-dimensional replicant level of reactivity.

     From the publisher's textbook to the alleged instructor's "resources" (e.g., textual PowerPoints, text bank, lesson guides, etc.), a "one size fits all" standardization is applied. Very few instructors venture outside this "flat plane" configuration. One study of this process laments the reaction of students to boredom, the lack of rigor and creativity, and the absence of challenging information interactivity. Preparation for future worldly engagement suffers. Regarding the suggestion of binary logic, it does not foster visionary or creative inspiration. Four-dimensional thinking confronts the complexity of behavioral assessments,  cyber forensics, and intelligence-gathering analytics for a more dynamic investigative progression. Thinking processes beyond traditional consensus reflect the realms of "anomalous mental phenomena" (AMP). Such is an out-of-the-ordinary capacity of an eccentric nature.

     This echoes an ability to approach things from a different point of view. Naturally, such efforts will invite a reaction from those who feel threatened. Flatlanders abound everywhere. The term used here reflects a play on words signifying a satirical reference regarding the world of the “flatland”. That is intentionally limited thinking. It is a mirror of one's refusal to self-evolve and pursue higher intellectual capacity. From its fictional roots, the concept of the "flatlander" raises concerns about self-serving thinking processes, as seen in phenomena such as confirmation bias. That refusal to transcend beyond a two-dimensional perception hastens the regression of social interactivity. In other words, such is the intentional nature of limited thinking. By contrast, passing through a higher sphere, as in three-dimensional thinking, and onto four-dimensional ideation becomes complex. In the context of law enforcement, investigative intuition enables a transition to a more advanced level of logical deduction. Invoking a paradigm through standard linear conceptions, cognitive impetus emphasizes the need to utilize the necessary energies to adopt a more rigorous approach to problem-solving.

     Conforming to the “standard operating consensus” plays a mundane role by adhering to rigid, classical, or traditional models of activity. Avoiding the constraints of such conformity means developing a personally unique style of multidimensional analysis. By expanding one’s boundaries of four-dimensional consciousness, although very challenging, rational analysis transforms into more elevated realms of understanding. Essential to the effort is overcoming oneself. Egoistic influence is subdued, and selfish motivation is placed under strict oversight, along with accompanying biases. Four-dimensional thinking becomes a closer relationship with the nature of the quantum realm. However, interactions with the superficiality of the mainstream are distracting. Most people will not invest in the psychic energy to expand their levels of consciousness. To transcend above the contrived consensus of social institutions requires courageous commitment to imaginative creativity. And with that, the value of individuality.

     Additionally, binary thinking involves viewing and reacting to the world as though there are only two distinct parts to everything. Such purposeful limitations are limited to emotional reactivity in a realm that subsists on continuous false narratives. The pages of the playbook are filled with cognitive biases, including a list of egregious fallacies of inference.         A change in basic assumptions is necessary for mainstream culture, but even more so for law enforcement tradecraft. Another way to view the process is from the perspective of critical thinking. Deeper introspection, dedicated to self-evolution, necessitates a more thorough examination.

     Such a transformation is up to the individual. Social and political processes will not encourage such dynamics. Currently, public schools and colleges do not prioritize this type of instruction. Regardless of the downsizing of intellectual instruction to emphasize the value of critical thinking skills and logical analysis, the necessity in the real world remains critical. Thinking is the primary step of the investigative process. Beyond binary thinking is more than thinking outside the box. As to the latter, the suggestion of allegedly “thinking outside the box” has become cliché. Why? That's because, in most organizations, it’s a matter of lip service. A common thing to say, managers often throw that suggestion into the conversational setting of meetings. Yet, the fundamental question remains: What happens? And the answer is no. Likewise, the other similarity is that obfuscation comes in the form of suggesting “transparency” in various discussion forums. There is very little likelihood that such an atmosphere of discourse will unfold with collaborative, transparent authenticity. Fear levels run high in organizations.

     Along with fearfulness comes varying levels of incompetence, which expands the reach of lackadaisical approaches to problem solving. Standard operating procedures result in templates that are expected to fit every situation.  Preconceived notions often lead to hasty generalizations and simplistic conclusions. Across the diverse and evolving landscape of law enforcement operations, transcending two-dimensional conceptions or moving beyond the binary framework is imperative. Multidimensional analytics are essential, especially within an investigative configuration. Post-modern socio-economic complexities offer a diverse spectrum of challenges. Typical limited perspectives can constrain effective decision-making and problem-solving. Yet, most organizational interactions are satisfied with trudging ploddingly, with little or no intellectual agility or expansive creativity. Entrenched thinking processes are no longer valid.

     Thinking beyond the binary consensus, by which communal contrivances claim a standard of normalcy, does not offer viable ascendancy to higher levels of enlightenment. The necessity of higher-order critical thinking is necessary to ensure innovative operational dynamics. With the never-ending progression of technology, personal sophistication embraces necessary learning strategies to advance competencies. In law enforcement tradecraft, demands are uniquely acute. A redirection is on the horizon that may leave traditional approaches behind. Conventional reliance on past practices and doing what has always been done may not be effective or efficient. An evolving transformation of specialized methodologies, tactical operations, and forensic scientific techniques invites thinking beyond conventional perspectives.

     A departure from contrived consensus rooted in non-visionary thinking eventually may prove to be detrimental. Operational performance depends on advancing skillsets that go beyond basic conceptions. Unfortunately, the social nexus of everyday encounters circulates the contrived framework of sameness. Institutions reinforce the blandness of non-creativity. Smugly ignorant arrogance clamors loudly for the illusion of normalcy, the easy superficiality of submissive consensus. Gross generalities based on hastily contrived assumptions, reinforced by myriad thinking errors, encourage the decay of facts, data, and evidentiary authenticity. As intellectual progress fails to make effective headway, stupidity abounds in every aspect of social interaction. Opinions, gossip, and rumors become the baseless factuality of persuasive exercise in deception. In academia, a reckless pursuit of conjecture perpetuates the lack of serious depth in the enlightened ascent toward higher realms of transformation. With the schemes of the "social studies arena", most faculty evade the necessity of deeper research. Status quo satisfaction runs pensively toward a "one size fits all" approach to institutional delivery.

     Egregiously, assertions among those metaphysical explorations erroneously claim their doctrines of "scientific methodology". Lacking the rigor of empirical substantiation as in the real sciences, the pseudosciences falsely claim their "scientific" efficacy. The smug arrogance is easily offended, as entrenched ideologies continue age-old myths in the promotion of magical thinking. As to the primacy of thinking, few ever venture to the multidimensional spheres of mental activity beyond the conventional. At this juncture, a critical crossroads arises on the horizon of thought-provoking interactivity. As to law enforcement tradecraft, the necessity of ideations that go beyond the binary contrived constraints is more important than ever before. Simply thinking about an approach or confrontation with a particular decision-making moment is not a simple exercise. Critical thinking demands deeper intensity. From the standpoint of mental agility, behavioral assessments traverse the dynamics of strategic foresight and innovative application.

     To cultivate multidimensional thinking abilities, constant practice of skill-building mechanisms is essential. As thinking is a complex activity, so is the development of individual competencies. Psychophysical development is a continuous, day-to-day process of diligent devotion to self-evolving transformation. Every day is a training day. As such, "mind games" are important. That is, training the thinking processes. This includes reading books, playing games such as chess, researching case studies of all kinds, writing, solving puzzles, and more. The list is endless, but the practice is relentless. The skilled investigator studies constantly.

     He or she explores every opportunity to gain greater knowledge of as many things as possible. Psycho-physical fitness is essential. Being physically fit is part of the ongoing transformative continuum. Fit for duty is a lifelong commitment. Back in 1936, one of the "founding fathers" of American police professionalism wrote a book on "modern policing". In that early assessment of law enforcement tradecraft competence, the author argued the necessity for recruiting the best of the best. The author asserted that the smartest and most competent officers are needed to fill the ranks of professional policing. Fascinatingly, that conception is now nearly a hundred years old. And what is the net result for all the investment, or lack thereof, in modern terms? How far has the field of law enforcement protective services transformed?   Some critics would argue convincingly that, as a whole, with notable exceptions, policing in the U.S. has not transformed very much. Arguments can be made from different points of view.

     To be a profession, one essential characteristic is higher standards for admission. Since policing in the U.S. is decentralized due to its historic heritage, the issues are complex. Unlike foreign counterparts, which have a nationalized police system, the opposite is true in the U.S. For instance, home rule, local authority, and states' rights are among the key factors. That is not presented as a negative issue or intended to suggest any change in this regard. However, at the local level, there are some examples of that, which have taken initiatives to enhance professionalism. Yet, with regard to training mechanisms, one aspect seems repeatedly ignored. And that is the necessity for instruction, training, and application of multidimensional thinking in the tradecraft. It begins with recruitment and continues with educational and training paradigms. At the collegiate level of alleged higher education, intense focus on critical thinking is typically non-existent. Most often, one discovers in academia a consistent two-dimensional perspective.

     That relates to the idea that one size fits all, templates, stereotypical instructional delivery, and regurgitations of the same old philosophical viewpoints. "Flat plane", 2D thinking, for "flatlanders" is exceedingly redundant and non-evolving. These are boring, stale, and static applications of replicative training exercises. Thinking outside the box is something people often mention in the classroom or during meetings to make themselves feel better. In the liberal arts, for instance, science and technology courses are often absent from the curricula. Nonetheless, to venture into a multidimensional, unconventional perspective, imaginative creativity becomes vital. Moving beyond the binary conceptions of thinking, encounters resistance from contrived consensus in accordance with bias and counterproductive processes.