A cognitive theory proposing that human thinking operates through two distinct systems: System 1 (fast, automatic, intuitive) and System 2 (slow, deliberate, analytical). These systems interact to guide decision-making and judgment, with System 1 providing quick responses and System 2 engaging in more effortful reasoning.
The theory evolved from earlier work on automatic versus controlled processing in the 1970s-80s, but was popularized by Daniel Kahneman in 'Thinking, Fast and Slow' (2011). The 'dual' aspect refers to the two-system framework for understanding cognition.
Your brain is like having both a race car driver and a careful navigator - System 1 makes split-second decisions to keep you moving, while System 2 is the voice saying 'wait, let me think about this!' Most of the time, the race car driver is in control, which explains a lot about human behavior.
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