Kahneman’s two systems of thought

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Do you know Kahneman’s two systems of thought? This psychologist and Nobel Prize winner in Economics (2002) developed a theory in which he explains the two ways of thinking that we use in our daily lives. Get to know them!

What thinking systems are activated on a daily basis when carrying out different tasks? And when should we make decisions? From psychology, there are multiple theories in this regard, although one of them has been strongly influential: Kahneman’s theory of two systems of thought.

Daniel Kahneman, psychologist who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 2002, wrote the book in 2012 Think fast, think slow , in which he exposes his theory about two very different systems of thought. System 1 is more intuitive, faster and automatic, and system 2 is more deliberative, logical and slow. What else do we know about his systems? When do we use them? How do they interact? We tell you everything here.

“A collection of thoughts must be a pharmacy where the remedy for all ills is found.”

-Voltaire-

Kahneman’s two systems of thought

Kahneman’s thought systems can be found in the author’s book titled Think fast, think slow (Debate, 2012). Daniel Kahneman is an American and Israeli psychologist born in Tel Aviv (Israel) in March 1934. He is currently considered one of the most important thinkers in the world.receiving the Novel Prize in Economics (2002) thanks to his work in psychology on the rational model of decision making.

Kahneman’s ideas have had an impact in areas such as medicine, politics and economics itself. As we said, in his book Kahneman described two types of thinking or systems that model how we think. While system 1 is fast, intuitive and emotional, system 2 is slower, deliberative and logical. Do you want to know more about these two systems? Well, keep reading!

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System 1 (fast)

The first of Kahneman’s thinking systems is a fast, automatic and emotional system. Other characteristics are that it is stereotyped and subconscious. System 1 It has the function of generating intuitions that can serve us for the tasks we perform (although they don’t always work). This system is also called implicit system.

On the other hand, system 1 is the one that is activated with intuition and heuristics. It allows us to do basic daily tasks, such as walking or brushing our hair. Furthermore, according to Kahneman, system 1 associates new information with patterns that already exist in the mind. Thus, through it, the mind does not create new patterns from each new experience, but rather it associates new information with old information (creating meaningful relationships).

When do we use it?

We use the first of Kahneman’s systems of thought to decide most of the issues in our daily lives. That is, it allows us to make quick and not too complex decisions. Besides, we use system 1 to develop conclusions automatically.

System 2 (slow)

On the other hand, the second system proposed by Kahneman, system 2, is slower and requires greater effort on the part of the subject. It is less frequent and more logical than the previous one, as well as calculating and conscious. We say conscious in the sense that, when we use system 2, we are fully aware that we are using it when solving a problem, for example.

Its function is to make final decisions after observing and controlling intuitions arising from system 1. System 2, unlike the previous one, allows us to carry out slightly more complex tasks, such as learning a language, reflecting on a question.

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When do we use it?

The second system, unlike the first, is used to make more complex or difficult decisions; Therefore, it is a more deliberate type of thinking. It is a system that requires more concentration from us, since it predominates when we face complex tasks.. Furthermore, we use this system to emit conscious responses.

Interaction of the two systems

Kahneman’s two systems of thought They are continually active on a daily basis and communicate with each other.. However, each of them will dominate over the other depending on the task to be performed.

Each of the systems has its function; Thus, while system 1 determines our thoughts in relation to perceptions of the environment and visual and associative memory, system 2 is responsible for developing conclusions from the intuitions of the first. This system, the deliberative system, can be very useful when making complex decisions., since it is slower and requires greater concentration than the previous one (concentration is a key factor in decision making). That is why Kahneman calls this second process think slow.

Regarding their interaction, according to Kahneman, System 1 thinking has a greater influence on behavior when System 2 is busy.. What else does Kahneman say about keeping your mind busy and using systems? We leave you a fragment of it:

“People who are cognitively busy are more likely to make selfish decisions, use sexist language, and make superficial judgments in social situations. Memorizing and repeating digits decreases system 2 control over behavior, but cognitive load is not the only cause of weakened self-control.”

-Daniel Kahneman-

In short, Kahneman’s two systems of thought operate in the mind to help us make decisions and solve problems. However, according to an interview with Daniel Kahneman in the ABC newspaperThe truth is that, Most of the time, we do not reflect on which of the two systems is dominating over the other. and thus directing our behavior.