Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious

Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious
by Gerd Gigerenzer

Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious
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Book Summary Information

Author: Gerd Gigerenzer
Edition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Published)
Format: Bargain Price
Published: 2007-07-05
ISBN: N/A
Number of pages: 288
Publisher: Viking Adult

Book Reviews of Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious

Book Review: An Observational Look at Human Instincts
Summary: 4 Stars

Gut Feelings discusses the intricacies of intuition and how gut feelings are often better suited for decision making that sophisticated reasoning and computational strategies. Gigerenzer provides several case studies regarding instances of powerful human instinct, many simple yet reliable decision making models, and descriptions of how natural impulses can be exploited.

As a physics problem, trying to determine the landing point of a baseball trajectory with an unknown velocity, direction, and unknown wind resistance is nearly impossible, especially in a few seconds; yet outfielders are capable of getting to the exact point of landing of a fly ball with significant reliability. Gigerenzer's observation regarding the instincts of an outfielder provides a case study of how human instincts have the ability to surpass the difficult methodology of complex calculations, a concept that represents the core of his study in this book. This phenomenon is not uncommon, and often the simple solutions supersede complex solutions.

Although dry at times, Gigerenzer provides considerable insight into the topic. Most of the information is observational as oppose to a scientific study, so if you are seeking you discover how instincts and gut feelings work, you will be disappointed. However, analyzing the effects of gut feelings has merit, and Gigerenzer excels in this area. I recommend this book to anyone in search of a contemplative look at the use and results of human intuition.

Summary of Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious

Why is split second decision-making superior to deliberation? Gut Feelings delivers the science behind Malcolm Gladwell's Blink

Reflection and reason are overrated, according to renowned psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer. Much better qualified to help us make decisions is the cognitive, emotional, and social repertoire we call intuition-a suite of gut feelings that have evolved over the millennia specifically for making decisions. "Gladwell drew heavily on Gigerenzer's research. But Gigerenzer goes a step further by explaining just why our gut instincts are so often right. Intuition, it seems, is not some sort of mystical chemical reaction but a neurologically based behavior that evolved to ensure that we humans respond quickly when faced with a dilemma" (BusinessWeek).
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