THINKING
Thinking, fast and slow
By
Daniel Kahneman
Allen Lane 2011
Kahneman suggests our brains have two main processing systems working in parallel. The fast brain system is automatic and works with little noticeable mental effort as it deals with whatever is happening very quickly. The slower more contemplative brain system is processing the same data but is only brought into play when some mental effort is required to make a difficult decision.
It’s simpler to think of these two systems, now referred to as the dual processing system, as intuitive and contemplative but that’s an oversimplification. Page 105 lists over twenty characteristics of the fast System 1. Here are the first four listed –
1. Generates impressions, feelings, and inclinations; when endorsed by System 2 these become beliefs, attitudes, and intentions
2. Operates automatically and quickly with little or no effort, and no sense of voluntary control
3. Can be programmed by System 2 to mobilize attention when a particular pattern is detected (search)
4. Executes skilled responses and generates skilled intuitions, after adequate training
To me, the best example of the respective roles of the two systems is apparent when you learn to drive a car. You start being very conscious of what you are doing and gradually it becomes easier and easier until it finally becomes automatic. The hours of practice are essential for educating System 1 and after more experience you don’t notice you’re thinking about what to do. System 2 is still busy watching closely for anything that needs your attention to keep you safe.
The biggest problem arises when you disengage from System 2 and only rely on System 1 to make all your decisions. There is a lot of recent literature in the public domain on the human limitations to good decision making.