Wherever we find ourselves—at an exam or a doctor's appointment, in the supermarket, or behind the wheel—we constantly have to make decisions. Should we trust a diagnosis or an advertisement for 'healthy' sweets? Do we remember the answer to the question on the ticket? Are we sure we'll make it through the yellow light? And how do we know what we know, or, just as importantly, what we don't know? In this book, cognitive neuroscientist Stephen M. Fleming provides a detailed and clear explanation of metacognition—the ability to reflect on our thoughts. Like a conductor directing musicians, it subtly influences all our actions. And by practicing this skill, we better understand ourselves, other people, and the world around us. Why is it sometimes easier for us to trust a stranger than our childhood memories? What should we do when we can't remember the word that's on the tip of our tongue? How does escapism work, and why do we forget everything else, immersed in the plot of a gripping film or game? Neuroscientists have found a new answer to the ancient call to 'know thyself,' and it promises not only philosophical but also practical benefits.

Author: Stephen M. Fleming
Publishing House: Individuum
Year: 2022
Number of pages: 288
Cover type: Paperback
Translator: Dmitry Vinogradov
Age group: 16+