Daniel Kahneman's Thinking, Fast and Slow
1. What was the general theme or augment of the book?
This book encompassed everything having to do with the brain and how it is split in half and how each portion has different strengths and weaknesses. The book refers to them as 'systems' and these systems are what we base our actions on. System 1 has to do with our immediate instincts that come into play with our natural emotions, while System 2 is far more slow as it encompasses how we compare different options in order to make the right, logical decision.
2. How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT3003?
From a business or entrepreneurial perspective, I think it is very interesting and important to connect systematic thinking to science. Though my past experience in psychology dates back to my high school years and is probably a bit grey at this point, I think that coming up with new, unheard of concepts in any business venture is critical because it will set you apart from others. By getting a glimpse into the processes of the brain, I was able to see how these two things mold to create really interesting, complex results.
3. If you had to design an exercise from this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?
Based on this book, I would design an exercise where students could interact and bounce ideas off of one another from a business perspective. I would like for them to brainstorm some entrepreneurial examples that they would have to tailor their reactions to based on System 1 or System 2. Therefore, each student would be coming up with their individual scenarios while also keeping in mind that this could actually happen one day that needs a logical answer.
4. What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?
I was frequently surprised and had many 'aha' moments while reading this book because I found each and every new concept about the brain extremely interesting. The most intriguing thing, in my opinion, that I learned about from this book was how our instinct truly shapes the decisions we make. We always hear about "gut instincts" or "going with your gut" and it seems cliche, but it is actually true. My mom had always told me to follow my gut and it was really enlightening to learn that it is a real concept, which was definitely the main idea that differed from my expectations.
Brooke,
ReplyDeleteThat's a very unique concept that I believe needs further exploration. Why do we rely so heavily on our instincts rather than logic and reasoning. You'd think that people would put more equity in the facts and logic around them rather than going all in on blind ambition based on a emotional feeling. That's not to say that your "gut" can't be right but I just feel you are more likely to be right more often with logic than with instinct. However, I could be wrong and that would be really interesting to see if there was some kind of causation for this phenomenon. Overall very nice post, thank you for sharing.