Why do we decide to do the things we do? In "Thinking, Fast and Slow," author Daniel Kahneman tackles that very question. He examines what he deems our “cognitive blind spots.” Kahneman asks why we make the judgments and choices we do, why we don’t know what we want and what will make us happy.

To answer such reservations, Kahneman outlines a general picture of the human mind by breaking down the two systems that drive the way we think. The first system is impulsive, intuitive, and emotional. The second one is slower, more contemplative and logical.

In his book, Kahneman discusses the faults and biases of quick thinking and the omnipresent influence of intuition on our thoughts and choices. He explains where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking. He also addresses how overconfidence and optimism drive our capitalistic system.

Overall, Kahneman’s goal is to elaborate on how the two systems function together to shape our judgments and choices. But everyone thinks differently. Some act better on their instincts while others take their time making a decision. So why do we make certain decisions? And then why do we regret? When can we trust an expert? Why do negotiations take so long?

WEIGH IN:

What kind of thinker are you? Have you made better decisions out of impulsiveness or deliberation?

Guest:

Daniel Kahneman, author, "Thinking, Fast and Slow" (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) Professor of Psychology and Public Affairs Emeritus at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School, recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences (2002)

Daniel Kahneman will speak about his book at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena this Sunday at 2 pm. For event details, click here.