9 cognitive models that can help solve any problem

1. The map is not a territory

The model is borrowed from the work of mathematician Alfred Korzybski on general semantics. It raises the question of the relationship between the subject and the object. The bottom line is that the description of reality is not reality itself. In other words, the story of how you spent your vacation is not the vacation itself; the repair plan is not the repair itself; the description of a scientific development is not the scientific development itself. The concept "Map is not territory" is very popular in neurolinguistic programming and is used to effectively achieve goals.

How to apply

When considering a problem, remember: no matter how complete its description is, it is still always subjective. We have no access to objective reality. We only have a set of beliefs about her in our arsenal.

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The model helps to avoid cognitive distortions, develops critical thinking.

2. Circle of competence

The model is borrowed from a letter from American entrepreneur Warren Buffett, which he addressed to shareholders. In it, Buffett asks investors to focus their work on the areas in which they are really good at, and to be less scattered over others. That is, if you are good at restaurant business, do not try to launch cosmetics production in parallel.

How to apply

Do what you understand now. Delegate the rest. Expand your competence and knowledge gradually. Don't be fooled into knowing more. Remember, it's okay not to know.

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Helps to be aware of growth zones, improve, make effective decisions and learn from others.

3. Allocation of fundamental principles

The concept was used by the philosopher Aristotle, inventor Elon Musk, and economist Charlie Munger. According to it, a complex problem must be solved by separating the underlying facts from the assumptions. Leave only the basic concepts - they are easier to work with.

One example of the use of this model is Elon Musk's construction of the Space X rocket. To create it, Musk had to move away from the stereotype that launching rockets into space is expensive. After all, he wanted to send people to Mars, and this can be done only by significantly reducing costs. The inventor decided not to build on the experience of previous rocket designers, but to return to the fundamentals: for example, to independently calculate how much materials cost to create a rocket.

How to apply

Imagine that your knowledge is a tree. First, a root system and a trunk are formed: this is how the fundamental principles, basic concepts are laid. Then leaves and fruits grow on it - details. When solving a problem, think about the basics and forget about the details.

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Teaches you to think for yourself, unleash your creativity and move from linear to non-linear thinking. The best way to redesign a difficult situation is to find an unexpected solution.

4. Thought experiment

This cognitive model was popular in ancient Rome and Greece among philosophers. Since then, many scientists have adopted it. She helped broaden the understanding of many disciplines, from philosophy and ethics to quantum mechanics. Among the most famous thought experiments: Achilles and the tortoise, Schrödinger's cat, the trolley problem.

The advantage of the model is that it works entirely in the imagination. This helps to avoid mistakes, evaluate the potential consequences of actions, and choose the best solution before anything is actually done.

How to apply

To get rid of a problem, first play the solution in your head. Consider different versions of the development of events, including absurd ones. This way you can analyze more options and come to unexpected conclusions.

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Stimulates abstract and logical thinking, makes you think about questions that are not so easy to answer. It allows us to understand that many things cannot be known to us.

5. Second-level thinking

You can use Level 1 and Level 2 thinking to solve a problem. First-level thinking allows you to consider actions on the way to a solution and the consequences of these actions. Most often they lie on the surface and are immediately understandable to everyone.

Incorporating second-level thinking is more difficult, since it requires considering not only actions and their consequences, but also what will happen when you solve the problem and inevitably create new ones. Foresight is what makes successful people stand out: they think many moves ahead.

How to apply

When solving a problem, ask yourself three questions:

Where are the main variables here, and how do they interact with each other?
What can I influence?
What happens if I do this?

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It will help you stand out from others and find an unexpected solution to the problem.

6. Thinking about probabilities

"What if…?" is one of the most popular and oldest questions. Many have tried to answer it, including scientists working in probability theory, a branch of mathematics that studies random events, quantities and their properties.

One example of the brilliant use of this model was demonstrated by Vera Atkins. Working for British intelligence during World War II, she was forced to hire spies for operations in France with scant and conflicting information. Atkins had to think through everything to the smallest detail. Who knows French? Who can handle stressful situations? Who will give themselves away at the first opportunity? She had to use not facts, but her own assumptions about what might happen.

How to apply

When making a decision, rely not only on what you already know, but also on what might happen. Keep in mind that some events are more likely to occur than others. Ask yourself the question "What will happen if …?"

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Allows you to more accurately predict the future and find the best solutions.

7. Inversion

The model was allegedly created by the German mathematician Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi in the 19th century, famous for his work on elliptic functions. Solving a difficult problem, the scientist always followed the principle of man muss immer umkehren, or "invert, always invert."

We are used to solving problems in a linear fashion from the very beginning. But that doesn't always work. By using inversion as a cognitive tool, you approach the situation from the end. For example, instead of thinking about how to live a happy life, you imagine what will turn it into a real nightmare. Or instead of thinking about how to improve the system, you fantasize about what will make it roll back.

How to apply

The inversion formula is as follows: instead of showing extraordinary ability, avoid stupid things. When solving a problem, turn it upside down.

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The model will not help to get rid of the problem, but it will make you look at it from a different angle. In addition, inverting will identify and remove obstacles to a solution.

8. Occam's Razor

The model got its name in honor of William of Ockham, a Franciscan monk, philosopher and theologian who lived at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries. Its essence boils down to a simple formula: the simpler, the better. This applies to any decisions, hypotheses and actions.

For example, habits are developed according to this principle. The more often you repeat the same action, the less energy the brain spends on performing it. He simplifies the task for himself.

How to apply

If you have several opposing solutions to the problem, choose the one that is simpler. However, don't blindly follow this principle: sometimes the simplest solution doesn't work.

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Allows you to solve problems quickly, establish the truth, without having empirical data. Suitable for forming preliminary conclusions.

9. Hanlon's Razor

The concept got its name from the writer Robert J. Hanlon in 1980, but its principle was used already in the 19th century by Napoleon Bonaparte. The essence of the model is as follows: never attribute to malicious intent that which can be explained by stupidity. In other words, unpleasant events rarely happen as planned.

Consider the Apple case. When Siri first launched, people noticed that it wasn't looking for abortion clinics. Many decided that this was a strategic move by the company. However, the system just crashed. Apple had no intention of offending anyone.

How to apply

Remember how often you yourself let your loved ones down - did you do this out of malice? To use the model more effectively, include logic, experience, and empirical data. Handle Hanlon's razor with care, as sometimes people will actually try to hurt you.