System 2 Thinking

Metacognition

Definition

Slow, deliberate, analytical thinking that requires conscious effort. System 2 handles complex calculations, careful evaluation of arguments, and effortful reasoning.

How It Shows Up Internally

System 2 feels like work. You're aware of thinking, of allocating attention, of following logical steps. It's taxing and can't be maintained indefinitely.

Examples

  • 1Working through a math problem step by step
  • 2Carefully evaluating the pros and cons of a major decision
  • 3Analyzing an argument to identify logical flaws

Related Modules

The Observing Mind

15 min • 3 sections

Mental Model Maintenance

15 min • 1 sections

Related Patterns

analysis paralysisdeliberate evaluation

Related Terms

System 1 Thinking

Fast, automatic, intuitive thinking that operates without conscious effort. System 1 generates impressions, feelings, and inclinations that often become the basis for beliefs and choices.