Critical Thinking for Better Decisions in the ChatGPT Era

Critical Thinking for Better Decisions in the ChatGPT Era

This course is part of Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization

Instructors: Dr. Terrence Sejnowski

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2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

112 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

2 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

112 reviews

Beginner level

Recommended experience

3 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

How to recognize and overcome unconscious biases in decision-making
Techniques for balancing intuitive "gut feelings" with logical analysis
How to detect emotional influences on thinking in yourself and others

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

ChatGPT

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Assessments

2 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Critical Thinking: A Brain-Based Guide for the ChatGPT Era Specialization

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There are 2 modules in this course

Enhance your decision-making skills in the age of AI with "Critical Thinking for Better Decisions in the ChatGPT Era." This innovative course brings together Barbara Oakley and Terry Sejnowski, the team behind the wildly popular "Learning How to Learn," along with Adam Trybus, Professor of Logic at the Institute of Philosophy, Jagiellonian University in Krakow.

Discover how your brain's fast and slow thinking systems influence decision-making, and learn to recognize when emotions or AI-generated content might be skewing your logic. Through real-world examples and cutting-edge neuroscience, you'll explore how even seasoned leaders can fall prey to cognitive biases and how to avoid similar pitfalls in an AI-augmented world. This course goes beyond traditional critical thinking approaches by examining the interplay between human cognition and AI tools like ChatGPT. You'll gain valuable insights into recognizing "tells" - subtle signs that emotions or algorithmic biases might be overriding reason - in yourself, others, and AI outputs. By the end of the course, you'll have practical tools to enhance your critical thinking, overcome biases, and make more informed decisions in an increasingly complex, AI-driven landscape. Prepare to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the ChatGPT era with confidence and clarity.

Prepare to have your assumptions challenged as we dive into the surprising world of how your brain really makes decisions. This module isn't about memorizing brain parts; it's about radically rethinking how your mind works and why that matters for every decision you make. You'll discover why even the sharpest minds can be led astray by their own thought processes, witness how one of the business world's most celebrated CEOs, Jack Welch, fell into a critical thinking trap that cost his company dearly, and uncover the unconscious forces steering your decisions, often without you even realizing it. Get ready to unmask your brain's hidden decision-makers and transform your understanding of critical thinking.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment1 discussion prompt

4 videos Total 26 minutes

1: Introduction: Thinking Clearly in Confusing Times 9 minutes
2: How One of the Country’s Most Storied C.E.O.s Destroyed His Legacy 5 minutes
3: Blink and Think: How Impulsive and Analytical Minds Work Together 7 minutes
4: Punch Drunk Logic: How Emotions Can KO Critical Thinking 4 minutes

1 reading Total 30 minutes

Module 1: Unmasking Your Brain's Hidden Decision-Makers 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 20 minutes

Module 1: Unmasking Your Brain's Hidden Decision-Makers 20 minutes

1 discussion prompt Total 10 minutes

Join the Debate! 10 minutes

Get ready to dive deeper into the complex tug-of-war between your brain’s automatic, instinctive thinking and its slower, more deliberate processes. This module goes beyond simply identifying cognitive biases; it's about mastering the art of knowing when to trust your gut and when to pause and think critically. You’ll explore the hidden workings of your mind as we reveal how automatic thinking, shaped by years of subconscious learning, can subtly hijack your logical reasoning without you even realizing it. Through real-world examples, such as the missteps of business titan Jack Welch, you’ll uncover how leaders—and all of us—can be led astray by trusting flawed instincts. Learn to spot the emotional "tells" that signal when feelings are overpowering reason, and discover practical techniques to balance intuition with deliberative thought. This isn’t just about managing your own thinking; it’s also about reading the emotional cues in others to understand when emotions are in the driver’s seat. By the end of this module, you'll have the tools to outsmart your brain’s sneaky shortcuts and become a more reflective, adaptable thinker.

What's included

4 videos1 reading1 assignment

4 videos Total 22 minutes

5: The Brain's Sneaky Shortcut: How Automatic Thinking Hijacks Logic 7 minutes
6: Intestinal Fortitude: Pushing Past a Misguided Gut Instinct 5 minutes
7: Trust Your Gut or Your Head? The Telltale Signs of Feeling vs Thinking 6 minutes
8: Course Wrap-up 3 minutes

1 reading Total 30 minutes

Module 2: Navigating the Battle Between Heart and Mind 30 minutes

1 assignment Total 30 minutes

Module 2: Navigating the Battle Between Heart and Mind 30 minutes

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Instructors

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Dr. Barbara Oakley

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Reviewed on Sep 21, 2024

This was a great refresher in knowing your gut feeling is not always right and to be aware of those situations.

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

The course explains what is critical thinking and what blocks us from thinking critically. I love the visual metaphors and analogies that were used to introduce new concepts.

Reviewed on Sep 27, 2024

Great introduction! I'm looking forward to the next steps in learning.

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