Thinking Fast and Slow - Chapter 9

Chapter 9 Answering An Easy Question was, for me, the take away from the book.

Kahneman brings together systems 1 and 2 and a process that leads to both efficiency in decision making and potential bias in conclusions.

Substituting questions (97).

In an effort to address complex matters, Kahneman asserts we form intuitive opinions through the process of substitution. That is, system 1, confronted with a complex situation, finds a related, simplier question that is easier to answer.

This process is not conscious, rather it is "a consequence of the metal shotgun, the imprecise control we have over targeting our responses to questions."(98).

A key element of this process of answering an easier question is intensity matching.

Kaheman argues that mental shotgun and intensity matching are automatic processes that can lead to a true illusion, not a misunderstanding.

This leads to a dominance of conclusions over arguments, particularly when emotions are significant and present - see page 103.