Critical thinking in the age of AI
The pros and cons of increased utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) have been discussed and debated many times this past year. But rather than resist its expansion, it is more helpful to equip ourselves with better critical thinking practices to maximize the strengths and minimize the risks of AI.
We asked our resource person on critical thinking and leadership, Luigi Mapa, for some ways that critical thinking on AI might help our business. Here are his thoughts:
Preventing deception
With the prevalence of deep fakes and scams, combined with the ever-increasing fast pace due to automation, critical thinking provides the foundation for healthy skepticism and questioning. Furthermore, the discipline of critical thinking reminds us that there are times when it’s better to think slowly and use a System 2 approach (analytical) rather than constantly thinking fast and prioritizing speed above all else.
READ: Embrace AI or be left behind, says technology leader
Avoiding overdependence
Relying on technology to check our spelling, correct our grammar and even complete our sentences is so commonplace now because it’s convenient. However, it has also reduced our ability and willingness to analyze and edit our work. No wonder many bosses ask me to help improve their associates’ quality mindset and increase their attention to detail. They’ve also shared concerns about their supervisors’ ability to analyze situations and think clearly and strategically about organizational problems. AI-powered shortcuts might be convenient, but is it worth it if our cognitive abilities are also cut short?
Minimizing data deluge
One initial benefit of the AI revolution—the abundance of data and report generation—is now becoming a double-edged sword. I’ve had participants regularly tell me they feel overwhelmed with data. This leads to them being unable to prioritize and select the data sets that provide the most value for decision-making. Critical thinking helps leaders connect information, whether hard or soft data, narratives and visual data, and to ask the right questions and come up with better decisions and solutions.
READ: AI vital to companies if used properly, say execs
Critical thinking provides the tools and techniques to overcome these 3Ds: deception, dependence and data deluge.
Mapa will facilitate an eight-hour virtual workshop titled “Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: Analyze and Implement Effective Solutions” on March 13 to 14.
For more information, email [email protected] or text 0919 3428667 and 0998 9641731.
For your other online learning needs, Inquirer Academy could assist you in designing and facilitating a virtual or in-person workshop, a webinar or a self-paced online course for your organization.
The author is the executive director of Inquirer Academy.
