Thinking and Critical Thinking

Goals

1. Explain how CT relates to everyday thinking.
   
2. Describe two major models of thinking: Type 1 and Type 2, and the Elephant and the Rider.
   
3. Explain why CT is uncommon and what can be done about it.

Critical Thinking and Thinking

All critical thinking is thinking, but not all thinking is critical thinking. CT is best understood as careful, deliberate thinking that helps us avoid errors and premature conclusions.

To understand CT clearly, it helps to understand how thinking works in general.

Biology of Thinking

Thinking is a biological process created by neurons sending electrical and chemical signals through vast networks. These networks give rise to pattern recognition, memory, imagination, emotion, and reasoning. Because the biology is complex, simplified models help us understand the major patterns in how we think.

Type 1 and Type 2 Thinking

This model was popularized by Daniel Kahneman.

• Type 1 thinking is fast, automatic, and intuitive. It works without conscious effort, such as recognizing a face or driving a familiar route. It is efficient but prone to shortcuts and bias.
• Type 2 thinking is slow, deliberate, and effortful. It is used for math problems, checking arguments, or weighing options. It is more reliable for complex or unfamiliar situations.

Critical Thinking happens when Type 2 thinking applies a clear method: purpose, question, research, logic, and argument.

The Elephant and the Rider

Jonathan Haidt’s model describes thinking as an elephant (automatic processes) guided by a rider (deliberate reasoning).

• The elephant represents emotions, intuitions, and habits. It is powerful and moves first.
  
• The rider represents reasoning and self-control. The rider can steer, but only when the elephant is willing.

Two key ideas:

1. The rider often explains what the elephant has already decided.
   
2. The elephant acts quickly and usually outside our awareness.

CT works by helping the rider and elephant align—bringing values, priorities, and reasoning together so they move in the same direction.

The Rareness of CT

Most people use CT far less than they think. My estimate is that less than 3% of everyday thinking qualifies as genuine critical thinking.

Here are three reasons why CT is uncommon:

1. Most people have never had the chance to learn it. When CT is taught, it is often too abstract for beginners.
   
2. Some things are learned naturally (like language), but others require instruction and practice: math, piano, golf, and CT. These skills do not emerge automatically.
   
3. Humans learn by imitation, but there are no widely recognized role models of skilled CT. Influencers often model the opposite of careful thinking.

The good news is that CT is learnable. With time, practice, feedback, and growth, anyone can become skilled at this beautiful form of thinking.

What can be done about the absence of skilled CT?

1. Learn it.
2. Teach it to others.
3. Enjoy the rewards.

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And if it speaks to you, join me in helping make critical thinking as common as breathing. When enough of us learn it, use it, and teach it, we can reshape how people think, choose, and live. Let’s dare to change the world—together. #HumanFlourishingCult