Doomlearn
DE
Mind & EverydayMental model

And then what? The question most decision-makers skip.

First-order thinking sees the direct effect: a bounty on rats reduces rats. Second-order thinking asks "And then?": in 1902 the colonial administration in Hanoi paid per rat tail handed in. Soon tailless rats were running through the city, and people in the countryside were breeding rats for the reward. Every action creates reactions that change the action itself.

Useful: Before any decision, ask "And what happens then?" three times in a row.

Source: en.wikipedia.org

EntscheidungMental model

Difficulty:

Question on this card

What distinguishes second-order from first-order thinking?

  1. It's faster
  2. It considers the consequences of the consequences
  3. It uses more data
  4. It asks others for advice
Show the answer

Correct: It considers the consequences of the consequences

Second-order thinking asks what reactions the direct effect will trigger in turn.

Related cards

Keep reading

This card belongs to the topic Mind & Everyday. Every card is short, cites a source and can be saved – due ones come back by themselves later.

About Doomlearn · Projects · Legal notice · Privacy · Terms