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Perennial Wisdom

Woo-kyoung Ahn | Thinking 101: How to Reason Better to Live Better

Mar 29, 2023
Woo-kyoung Ahn, John Hay Whitney Professor of Psychology at Yale University, specializes in higher-level reasoning. She delves into how cognitive psychology can enhance daily life and the powerful allure of fluency in perception. Ahn explains the difference between rumination and contemplation, emphasizing the challenge of answering 'why' questions. She shares insights on visualizing our future selves, the importance of critical thinking, and navigating judgment and overconfidence. Her discussion highlights practical applications of reasoning for personal growth and wisdom in daily life.
52:24

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Cognitive psychology enhances everyday decision-making by addressing biases, encouraging better understanding of thought processes, and leading to improved life outcomes.
  • Recognizing the allure of fluency helps individuals avoid pitfalls in judgment, ultimately fostering critical thinking and informed choices in various contexts.

Deep dives

The Value of Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology has the potential to significantly improve the world by addressing practical, everyday issues rather than focusing solely on abstract concepts. By applying cognitive principles to real-life scenarios, it can help individuals better understand their thought processes and decision-making. This approach encourages people to question intuitive judgments and recognize cognitive biases, leading to more informed choices. Professor Ahn emphasizes that understanding these cognitive processes can lead to better outcomes in various aspects of life, including education, mental health, and interpersonal relationships.

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