Why some conclusions are guaranteed and others are just really good guesses Last time we learned the difference between an argument and a fight. An argument has premises leading to… Read More
The Logical Bridge: What Is an Inference? (Essay #12)
Posts in Critical Thinking
Arguments vs. Fights: Defining the Conclusion and Premises (Essay #11)
Why your Thanksgiving dinner debate was probably just conclusions dressed up as reasoning Picture this scene. You’re at Thanksgiving dinner. Your uncle corners you in the kitchen to explain why… Read More
The Flock: Understanding Herd Mentality and Social Proof (Essay #10)
Solomon Asch proved that 75% of people will give an obviously wrong answer just because everyone else did. Social media is running this experiment on you 24/7. One dissenter can break the spell. Be that dissenter.
Read MoreThe Malleable Past: Why We Can’t Trust Our Memories (Essay #9)
That vivid memory you’re absolutely certain about? There’s a good chance it’s been edited, revised, and reconstructed to fit your current beliefs. Welcome to the misinformation effect.
Read MoreFirst Impressions: The Halo Effect (Essay #8)
Your brain decides someone is trustworthy, intelligent, and competent based on whether they have nice teeth. The Halo Effect explains why attractive people get lighter sentences, better jobs, and higher grades – despite zero evidence they deserve them.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Defense Mechanism: Self-Justification (Essay #7)
Cognitive dissonance makes your brain rewrite reality to protect your self-image. Each time you justify a bad choice, the next justification gets easier. This is how reasonable people end up defending the indefensible.
Read MoreThe Echo Chamber: Why We Reject Truths We Dislike (Essay #6)
Your brain is desperately committed to proving it was right all along. Confirmation bias operates below conscious awareness, quietly filtering reality so you only see the parts that confirm your existing beliefs.
Read MoreThe Power of Suggestion: How Priming Works (Essay #5)
Priming plants ideas in your mind that influence your actions later – and you have no idea it’s happening. From wine choices to political opinions, your System 1 is being manipulated constantly by stimuli you never noticed.
Read MoreThe Coherence Trap: Seeing Is Believing (Essay #4)
That warm feeling when something “just makes sense”? It’s not truth – it’s your unconscious mind running a con on your conscious one. Welcome to cognitive ease.
Read MoreMental Shortcuts: How Heuristics Shape Our Worldview (Essay #3)
Think plane crashes are more dangerous than car rides? Convinced crime is skyrocketing? Your brain’s taking shortcuts that feel right but lead you straight to wrong conclusions. Here’s why.
Read More