Final answer:
The capacity of human thought must be shaped and refined through education, critical thinking, and philosophical and moral inquiry, developing into sophisticated forms of cognition that allow for abstract reasoning, ethical considerations, and refinement of character.
Step-by-step explanation:
People possess only a general capacity for thought. This capacity must be shaped and refined in the process of education and personal development. The shaping of our cognitive abilities involves engaging in critical thinking and metacognition, which are fostered by diverse experiences and formal education. During adolescence, as cognitive development theories like those suggested by Piaget indicate, individuals transition to abstract thought and become capable of contemplating multiple viewpoints and hypothetical situations. This is a key period for developing formal operational thought.
Philosophy encourages the reflection on personal beliefs and assumptions, leading to the discovery of inconsistencies or errors in one's thinking. Engaging in moral inquiry likewise shapes our ethical thinking and contributes to developing our moral character. Learning through acts, as Aristotle posits, helps us to acquire virtues like justice and temperance, thereby refining our rational capacities.
Overall, it's through education and reflective practice that we refine our natural abilities to think. This also involves understanding and overcoming our cognitive biases and employing our rationality to achieve a higher quality of thought and virtue.