Two Forms of Computation
William James contrasts associative thought based on past experience with productive reasoning in novel situations. The source authors question his restriction of associative thought to reproduction.
THE IDEA
TWO FORMS OF COMPUTATION
The most lucid expression of the distinction and its psychological reality is that of William James (1890/1950), who describes associative thought or empirical thinking as “trains of images suggested one by another.” James believed that associative thought is “only reproductive” in that the objects of associative thought are all elements of or abstractions from our past experience, although the data reviewed here suggest otherwise. True reasoning is “productive” according to James because it can deal with novel data: “Reasoning helps us out of unprecedented situations” (p. 330).
When to use it
Making strategic decisions in business when facing novel market conditions.
Solving complex scientific problems that cannot be addressed by simply applying past knowledge.
Adapting to new technologies or workflows in a rapidly changing industry.
Creative writing or design, where novel combinations and ideas are required beyond existing templates.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Everyday Problem Solving
When you encounter a new problem at work that you've never seen before, relying on associative thought might lead you to apply similar past solutions, while true reasoning would allow you to analyze the problem from first principles and create a novel solution.
Learning a New Skill
Associative thought would help you recall steps from a previous similar skill, but true reasoning enables you to adapt to a new context, like switching from playing the piano to learning the guitar by understanding underlying music theory.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
Can you think of a recent situation where you used associative thought versus true reasoning? What was the outcome?
How might you train yourself to rely more on productive reasoning when facing unfamiliar challenges?
When has association helped you form a new idea, and when have you needed a more deliberate analysis?
References
- The Principles of Psychology — William James (1890)
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Heuristics and Biases The Psychology of Intuitive Judgment (Thomas Gilovich, Dale Griffin, Daniel Kahneman)