Newsletter Sunday Synapse
Each week you will get one email called the Sunday Synapse.
This FREE Newsletter talks about how to become a critical thinker which I refer to as intelligent thinking.
We all have the capacity to be better thinkers. Dysfunctional thinking practices are the cause for most of our bad decisions.
Some people have consistently better outcomes and more success in their lives. I argue this is because they have high level critical thinking skills, including deep self-awareness, self-perception, curiosity and creativity.
As a sociologist, I know there are factors in your history and environment which have contributed to your current perspectives. As a scientist, and critical thinking specialist, I also know that there are biological and psychological factors which have and will contribute to the way you think too.
The reasons behind why you think a certain way are unique to the power you have now to fix your problematic view of the world.
Leaning to think critically, will help you become more confident in the way you assess information and use language, ultimately becoming a better thinker and a more articulate speaker.
Sign up now and we will meet next on Sunday!
Scroll down for past Newsletters!
Latest
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Latest 〰️
Sunday, September 22nd, 2024
Critical Thinking: Why and How
This week I discuss the essential role of CT in making effective decisions that make our lives better. I talk about why CT is crucial, and highlight some of our common cognitive biases that hinder our thought processes. I also offer a practical four-step guide—exploration, comprehension, synthesisation, and articulation—to help you develop deliberate and rational thinking habits, making you a more confident and articulate thinker.
Sunday, September 15th, 2024
Systems of Thinking: The Intuitive Mind versus Logical Mind
This week's newsletter introduces you to the two systems of thinking as identified by behavioral psychologist Daniel Kahneman. System 1 is referred to fast thinking or the intuitive mind. System 2 is slow thinking and refers to the more deliberate thinking associated with the logical mind. As a social scientist, I explore how our patterns of thought shape our interactions, highlighting the importance of balancing intuition with deliberate, critical thinking to truly understand the complexities of our world.
Sunday, September 8th, 2024
Critical thinking: How to be an independent thinker in the information age
This letter discusses our capacity for independent thought. Recently, our thoughts have been constantly challenged by curated content and narratives that both overtly and subtly shape our opinions and choices. This newsletter explores practicing using critical thinking to empower us to recognise these influences and elevate our ability to try and think for ourselves. The letter suggests nurturing a mindset that balances scepticism with open-mindedness by exploring the motivations behind information, learning to question ethically, and encouraging creative thought.
Sunday, September 1st, 2024
Biased Critical Thinking: A Common Oxymoron
This week’s newsletter explores the pervasive influence of biases on critical thinking and decision-making, emphasising the need for self-awareness and openness to diverse perspectives. In a time of great social and political divide, the letter advocates for using critical thinking skills to enhance democratic engagement and combat societal division, urging readers to continually challenge their assumptions and engage thoughtfully with opposing viewpoints.
Sunday, August 25th, 2024
Critical Thinking: The Purpose and Validity of Information
In this newsletter, I explore the dual nature of information—how it can both empower and mislead us—and stress the importance of engaging only with information that is truly relevant to our lives. Additionally, I provide a practical seven-step guide for assessing the validity of information, helping readers enhance their critical thinking and make informed decisions that align with their personal values and goals.