"Adaptive Thinking" argues for rethinking rationality as adaptive thinking, examining how minds cope with their environments. The book proposes a research program investigating the psychology of rationality and introduces concepts of ecological, bounded, and social rationality. It moves the study of thinking, social intelligence, creativity, and decision-making from abstract logic and probability into the real world of human behavior and interaction.
The book teaches a practical audience, including physicians, AIDS counselors, and legal experts, how to understand and communicate uncertainties and risks. It aims to provide readers with insights into how human minds function adaptively in various real-world situations.
Key concepts
- Adaptive thinking — A way of understanding rationality that focuses on how minds cope with their environments.
- Ecological rationality — The study of how minds are adapted to their specific environments.
- Bounded rationality — The idea that decision-making is limited by cognitive constraints.
- Social rationality — The examination of how individuals function and make decisions within social contexts.