Essay Questions

Compare and contrast System 1 and System 2.

Kahneman explains, “System 1 operates automatically and quickly, with little or no effort and no sense of voluntary control.” Comparatively, System 2 allocates attention to the effortful mental activities that demand it, including complex computations.” System 1 operates involuntarily and it is governed by intuitions. System two operates based on subjective penchants that arise from “agency, choice and concertation.”

How does System 1 reconcile with System 2?

Kahneman admits, "Conflict between an automatic reaction and an intention to control it is common in our lives. We are all familiar with the experience of trying not to stare at the oddly dressed couple at the neighbouring table in a restaurant…One of the tasks of System 2 is to overcome the impulses of System 1. In other words, System 2 is in charge of self-control." Although, the two systems operate differently, they have a mechanism of reconciliation that helps individuals to restrain themselves. System 2 checks on the impulses triggered by System 1.

Explain the implication of “Law of least effort.”

Kahneman elucidates, “As you become skilled in a task, its demand for energy diminishes. Studies of the brain have shown that the patter of activity associated with an action changes as skill increases, with fewer brain regions involved. Talent has similar effects. Highly intelligent individuals need less effort to solve the same problems as indicated by both the pupil size and brain activity. A general “law of least effort” applies to cognitive as well as physical exertion.”

Skilled individuals require lower mental energy than unskilled individuals do. Similarly, talented individuals would not strain completing the task in which they are talented. Efforts required in the conclusion of various tasks depend on intelligence and skill. High intelligence and developed skill requires the least effort from the brain. Comparatively, low intelligence and undeveloped skill requires great efforts for a task to be accomplished.