Critical Thinking Strategies: Thinking Without Explicitly Thinking

Compare and contrast critical thinking strategies with ”thinking without explicitly thinking.” Consider how each approach contributes to our effective thinking.

Read the article by Bechara, A., Damasio, H., Tranel, D., & Damasio, A. R. (1997). “Deciding advantageously before knowing the advantageous strategy. Science, 275(5304), 1293-1295.” Summarize the article. Compare and contrast nonconscious thinking with the core critical thinking skill of self-regulation; compare and contrast nonconscious thinking with the core critical thinking skill of evaluation. Explain how one can reconcile these two approaches to problem-solving in one’s quest to become a strong critical thinker and adept truth-seeker. Describe the value of each of these information processing methods (nonconscious thinking and critical thinking). Explain how these strategies may work together to facilitate effective thinking.