Introduction

Our thinking is not as rational and objective as we often believe. Even when we strive to think logically and critically, unconscious mental processes can distort our judgments and decisions. These systematic deviations from rationality and sound judgment are called cognitive biases.

In this chapter, we will explore what cognitive biases are, how they arise, and what effects they have on our thinking. We will examine the most important cognitive biases, study mental heuristics (thinking shortcuts), and develop strategies to overcome these thinking pitfalls.