Critical Thinking for Better Decisions in the ChatGPT Era

Deep Teaching Solutions via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/critical-thinking-decisions

Introduction

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

Syllabus

Unmasking Your Brain's Hidden Decision-Makers

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.

Navigating the Battle Between Heart and Mind

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.