The Two Systems of Thinking

The Israeli-American psychologist, economist and 2002 Nobel Prize winner, Daniel Kahneman introduced the two systems of thinking in his bestselling book, Thinking fast and slow. He argues that every single decision a human being makes is made by one of two systems in the brain. He calls them System 1 and System 2. The systems have their own abilities, limitations, and functions.

System 1 behaves involuntarily, automatically, quickly and with little or no effort. Examples of activities that are are led to System 1 are solving simple math questions and driving a car on an empty road. System 2 behaves consciously and requires concentration. Examples of activities that are led to System 2 are filling out tax form and parking in a narrow space. Self control falls under System 2 and it sometimes has to overcome the impulsiveness of System 1.

This article will focus on how the the two systems of thinking and biases relate to project management.