Re: Brin: Debunking the Myth of Intuition

The one area where Sigmund Freud offered breakthrough insights of profound and 
permanent value was by demonstrating conclusively that the unconscious mind 
exists, that it has agendas that often differ from our surface rationalizations, 
values and proclaimed beliefs, and that it can affect our decisions and biases 
before we even begin consciously weighing them.  Alas, like so many other 
brilliant men, Freud went on to make unjustified leaps of elaboration that - 
ironically - erupted out of his own tortured unconscious.  Still, science is 
continuing the verify the origical insight.  This rumination discusses how 
difficult it is to be sure we are being truly rational. Take it as a caution. 
And repeat the sacred statement of science. “I might be wrong.” 



________________________________
From:KZK <[email protected]>
To:[email protected]
Sent:Tue, May 29, 2012 8:56:58 AM
Subject:Brin: Debunking the Myth of Intuition

http://www.spiegel.de/international/zeitgeist/interview-with-daniel-kahneman-on-the-pitfalls-of-intuition-and-memory-a-834407-druck.html


...
Kahneman: Yes. Psychologists distinguish between a "System 1" and a "System 2," 
which control our actions. System 1 represents what we may call intuition. It 
tirelessly provides us with quick impressions, intentions and feelings. System 
2, on the other hand, represents reason, self-control and intelligence.

SPIEGEL: In other words, our conscious self?

Kahneman: Yes. System 2 is the one who believes that it's making the decisions. 
But in reality, most of the time, System 1 is acting on its own, without your 
being aware of it. It's System 1 that decides whether you like a person, which 
thoughts or associations come to mind, and what you feel about something. All of 
this happens automatically. You can't help it, and yet you often base your 
decisions on it.

SPIEGEL: And this System 1 never sleeps?

Kahneman: That's right. System 1 can never be switched off. You can't stop it 
from doing its thing. System 2, on the other hand, is lazy and only becomes 
active when necessary. Slow, deliberate thinking is hard work. It consumes 
chemical resources in the brain, and people usually don't like that.
...

-----
"It’s cheap to maintain Lies and expensive to maintain Trvth."
--KZK's Maxim

_______________________________________________
http://box535.bluehost.com/mailman/listinfo/brin-l_mccmedia.com