The New Reflectionism in Cognitive Psychology : Why Reason Matters

This volume presents detailed reviews and will be of use to anyone interested in the strengths and weaknesses of human reason. This volume will also be of use to both proponents and skeptics of dual-process theory as it represents a strong case for the wide theoretical significance of the distinction between intuition and reflection. The empirical evidence indicates that analytic thinking plays a significant role in everyday life. Reason does, in fact, matter.

Over the past two decades, psychologists have increasingly emphasized the role of intuition and emotion in human cognition and behavior. Some have even argued that we are so governed by our intuitions that analytic thinking merely facilitates confirmation bias and motivated reasoning. However, a recent trend in thinking and reasoning research has called this position into question, indicating that just being willing to engage in analytic reasoning is a meaningful predictor of key psychological outcomes in diverse areas of everyday life.

reviews the evidence for the most recent theories on human thinking and reasoning, exploring how analytic thinking plays an important role in human morality and creativity. Featuring contributions from leading researchers, the volume also considers research on religious, paranormal, and conspiratorial beliefs.

An essential volume for all students and researchers of thinking and reasoning, The New Reflectionism in Cognitive Psychology emphasizes the role that analytic thinking plays in everyday life and the importance of reason in the modern technological age.