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The world of economic and behavioral sciences is in mourning. Daniel Kahneman, an eminent psychologist and 2002 Nobel Prize winner in economics, died at the age of 90: Princeton University, where he continued to teach, confirmed the news on Wednesday, March 27, 2002.
Kahneman has left an indelible imprint on our understanding of human thinking and decision-making mechanisms. And especially when it comes to creative mechanisms. An essential personality in the world of research that I very often cite at innovation conferences or creativity conferences.
Author of the famous book “System 1/System 2: The Two Speeds of Thought”, Kahneman integrated the discoveries of psychology into economic analysis, upsetting established paradigms. In collaboration with his colleague Amos Tversky, he revealed that the human being is not always the rational and selfish decision maker that traditional economic theory postulated. Kahneman has shown that our decisions are often influenced by cognitive biases, thus introducing an “irrational variable” into economic models. What he calls judgment heuristics and that creativity specialists simply call the “box.”
You know the famous box that you have to get out of so much... “Out of the box”.
Most of our knowledge is based not on evidence but on reasonable beliefs. - D.Kahneman
Let's go back to the 2 systems theorized by Kahneman. His theory distinguishes between two systems of thought: system 1, which is fast and intuitive, and system 2, which is slow and thoughtful. Contrary to a simplistic idea, System 1 is not just about intuition. It includes all automatic reactions, such as the immediate response to “2 + 2". Intuition is only one aspect of this system. System 2, on the other hand, represents deliberate and sequential thinking, mobilizing not only logic but also self-control.
This distinction between thought systems has profound implications for creativity. Kahneman's book, which is often cited in articles on the subject, explores the biases that influence System 1 responses. While System 2 can correct these biases, it is often dominated by the speed of System 1. Some researchers have proposed a system 3, which can inhibit system 1 when system 2 detects a bad choice, adding a new dimension to our understanding of human thinking.
Creativity is based on a delicate balance between these systems of thought. It requires the intuition and spontaneity of system 1, while requiring the reflection and analysis of system 2. Kahneman's idea that our decisions and thoughts are often irrational but systematic opens up fascinating perspectives on the creative process. By understanding and controlling the interactions between these systems, we can promote more innovative and effective thinking.
Daniel Kahneman will remain a key figure in behavioral economics and creative science.
As a creativity speaker, I believe that it is essential to call on these major research figures to inform our daily innovation behaviors.
