Thoughts on Thinking

Cognition

Thinking About Kahneman’s Contribution to Critical Thinking

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on April 10, 2024

The field of critical thinking research owes Kahneman a debt of gratitude for his contributions in helping shine a light on the importance of ‘thinking slow.’

The field of critical thinking research owes Kahneman a debt of gratitude for his contributions in helping shine a light on the importance of ‘thinking slow.’

Artificial Intelligence

Critically Thinking About Identifying AI Creations

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on March 12, 2024

Perhaps the best approach to preparing ourselves for AI advancements is less about identification and more about deciding what to accept and believe—critical thinking in action.

Perhaps the best approach to preparing ourselves for AI advancements is less about identification and more about deciding what to accept and believe—critical thinking in action.

Cognition

The Relationship Between Critical Thinking and Critical Theory

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on February 15, 2024

Critical thinking seems to be often confused with critical theory. Don’t make this mistake, as the inclusion of the former within the latter might be questionable at best.

Critical thinking seems to be often confused with critical theory. Don’t make this mistake, as the inclusion of the former within the latter might be questionable at best.

Philosophy

Life Won’t Wait: The Value of Reflecting on What Matters

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on January 31, 2024

A Personal Perspective: Stop and reflect on the things that really matter to you in life and don’t wish your life away.

A Personal Perspective: Stop and reflect on the things that really matter to you in life and don’t wish your life away.

Cognition

One Worthwhile New Year’s Resolution: Organisation

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on January 12, 2024

Personal Perspective: I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but, if you are the type that feels it necessary to have one, make it about organisation.

Personal Perspective: I’m not a big fan of New Year’s Resolutions, but, if you are the type that feels it necessary to have one, make it about organisation.

Cognition

The 10,000-Hour Myth and "Expertise" in Critical Thinking

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on December 7, 2023

Are there caveats to "practice makes perfect"? Can you really be an expert in critical thinking or is it just mindware?

Are there caveats to "practice makes perfect"? Can you really be an expert in critical thinking or is it just mindware?

Cognition

Why Expertise Is Better Than "Lots of Experience"

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on November 9, 2023

Doing something for many years doesn't make you an expert. Understanding the difference between experience and expertise is crucial for real-world decision-making.

Doing something for many years doesn't make you an expert. Understanding the difference between experience and expertise is crucial for real-world decision-making.

Cognition

Is Avoiding Stupidity Better Than Seeking Brilliance?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on October 19, 2023

Avoiding stupidity has its benefits; seeking brilliance takes hard work. Which is better might depend on the context but, either way, "easier" does not mean "better."

Avoiding stupidity has its benefits; seeking brilliance takes hard work. Which is better might depend on the context but, either way, "easier" does not mean "better."

Decision-Making

The Problem With Common Sense

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on September 28, 2023

Do opposites attract? Or do birds of a feather flock together? There's a problem with "common sense."

Do opposites attract? Or do birds of a feather flock together? There's a problem with "common sense."

Creativity

Is Thinking Outside the Box Really That Helpful?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on September 7, 2023

Despite having developed a romanticized perspective on thinking outside the box, the practice isn't often appropriate when critical thinking is the goal.

Despite having developed a romanticized perspective on thinking outside the box, the practice isn't often appropriate when critical thinking is the goal.

Cognition

Your Thinking Should Remember 'The Map Is Not the Territory'

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on August 17, 2023

As context is key, use of a pre-drawn map, schema, or heuristic for important decision-making may be a poor choice.

As context is key, use of a pre-drawn map, schema, or heuristic for important decision-making may be a poor choice.

Cognition

Could Inversion Improve Your Decision-Making?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on July 27, 2023

Instead of thinking about good ideas, sometimes thinking about what a bad idea might be and developing your thoughts around it might benefit your decision-making.

Instead of thinking about good ideas, sometimes thinking about what a bad idea might be and developing your thoughts around it might benefit your decision-making.

Philosophy

Absurdism and Coping: A Follow-Up on "It Is What It Is"

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on July 6, 2023

Be aware of the things you value in an uncertain world, and work toward such endeavours, while accepting the things you can do nothing about.

Be aware of the things you value in an uncertain world, and work toward such endeavours, while accepting the things you can do nothing about.

Education

100 Brief Tips and Findings Regarding Critical Thinking

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on June 15, 2023

Here are 100 tips and findings regarding critical thinking in celebration of the 100th ‘Thoughts on Thinking’ post on 'Psychology Today.'

Here are 100 tips and findings regarding critical thinking in celebration of the 100th ‘Thoughts on Thinking’ post on 'Psychology Today.'

Anxiety

"It Is What It Is": A Mantra for Modern Coping?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on May 25, 2023

A Personal Perspective: If you're worried about something, ask yourself if there's something you can do about it. If there's not, don’t worry.

A Personal Perspective: If you're worried about something, ask yourself if there's something you can do about it. If there's not, don’t worry.

Bias

Why Do Stereotypes Get Such a Bad Rap?

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on May 4, 2023

Stereotypes and prejudice are cognitions we all process. Whether or not you let these processes guide essential decision-making and actions matters.

Stereotypes and prejudice are cognitions we all process. Whether or not you let these processes guide essential decision-making and actions matters.

Bias

The Flaw in Unconscious Bias Training

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on April 12, 2023

The problem with unconscious bias training may stem from the presentation of oversimplified concepts, which can lead to misinterpretation of the core messages.

The problem with unconscious bias training may stem from the presentation of oversimplified concepts, which can lead to misinterpretation of the core messages.

Genetics

"What's With Millennials?" Thinking About Generation Gaps

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on March 13, 2023

Why do people get so riled up over generation gaps? The answer becomes apparent once we understand the concept better.

Why do people get so riled up over generation gaps? The answer becomes apparent once we understand the concept better.

Cognition

5 Annoying Job Interview Questions and Why They're Asked

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on February 21, 2023

Successful answering of interview questions is more likely when you understand why such questions are being asked.

Successful answering of interview questions is more likely when you understand why such questions are being asked.

Career

'You Are Not Special'

Christopher Dwyer Ph.D. on January 26, 2023

Recognising that you’re not "special" shouldn’t be a blow to your self-image; rather, it helps you engage with others in a healthy and successful manner.

Recognising that you’re not "special" shouldn’t be a blow to your self-image; rather, it helps you engage with others in a healthy and successful manner.