gondolatmenetet

Gondolatmenet is the Hungarian term for the sequence of thoughts or the train of thought that unfolds in the mind during thinking, problem solving, or argument formation. The phrase gondolatmenetet is the accusative form of gondolatmenet, used when the train of thought is the object of a verb, for example in expressions like “követni a gondolatmenetet” (to follow the train of thought). More generally, it refers to the logical progression from initial idea or premise to conclusion and to the overall structure of a person’s reasoning.

In psychology and cognitive science, gondolatmenet describes the internal mental sequence underlying judgments and decisions. Researchers study it with introspection and think-aloud protocols, while acknowledging that inner speech and the perceived sequence are partly subjective and not directly observable. Working memory, attention, language, and prior knowledge influence a person’s gondolatmenet, and various cognitive biases can alter its apparent flow.

In writing and argumentation, a clear gondolatmenet helps maintain coherence: ideas are presented in a sequence linked by inference and justification, guiding the reader from premises to conclusion. In philosophy and logic, the concept denotes the steps of reasoning, including premises, inferences, and acts of justification. Critics note that a person’s stated gondolatmenet may not always reflect the actual cognitive process.

Related terms include gondolatfolyam (stream of thought) and gondolatsor (line of thought). The concept is common in education, rhetoric, and cognitive studies as a way to discuss how people structure reasoning and how to improve argumentation and understanding.