Systems 1 and 2

In his book Thinking Fast and Slow, Daniel Kahneman looks at ways in which we process information. He created a way of clarifying the work of our mind by splitting it into the two below systems.

System 1 does the easy, fast, (lazy) thinking. It’s instinctive, emotional and strewn with mistakes. It engages for tasks you can do with your eyes closed – things you do automatically or subconsciously. For example, a basic maths sum: 9 - 2.

System 1 is likely to deal with things that are known to us, turning difficult questions into easier questions that are then easier to answer.
System 1 processing can make you jump to hasty conclusions and be quick to form judgements and opinions.

System 2 requires more focus, concentration and calculation. It’s deliberate, methodical and logical. This thinking operates on a more conscious level. Its processing takes longer, as it works with unknown entities, new ideas and new ways of being, as well as bigger qualities and quantities of information. For example: 22 x 17.

You’re likely to get different results according to which system you use, and come to different conclusions.

Using Kahneman’s model of system 1 and 2, can you work out which types of thinking you use for which different personal situations? Would it be useful to keep this system in mind?