It was ok

Note: I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I was rather disappointed by this book, although there were interesting parts. I was expecting more of a step-by-step guide to improve memory and make more rational decisions, but it was nothing like that. Maybe a more detailed description of the book would be helpful -- right now the Publisher's Summary is just one line.

The book has a brief overview of different parts of the brain and how they contribute to decision making. I did enjoy the descriptions of logical fallacies (straw man, Post hoc ergo propter hoc, etc.) -- I've heard of these, but didn't really know what they were, so the clear definition of these was useful. In general a frustratingly large number of the examples given throughout the book were about cults or conspiracy theorists. I suppose these demonstrate the principles clearly because they are so extreme, but they are also less meaningful or applicable because of this extremeness. I would have appreciated more concrete or practical examples, or examples where the "correct" decision was not obvious and more nuanced.

The narrator was fine, although it's hard to judge a narrator without dialogue. The narration was slow, but that's not really a problem since Audible makes it so easy to speed it up.

In the end, I thought it was interesting enough to spend the time listening to, but probably not worth $6.95, which it is currently listed at. Maybe $3. Maybe I'm just cheap.

3 people found this helpful

Not sure to whom this book is adressed

Let's talk about the "story" first.
In the first few chapters, the author describes biases and common ways in which our brain is being deceived. As you might expect from a 2-hour audiobook these descriptions are not detailed, the author does not dive deep into the problem. I am not sure if this is good or bad, again, I have no idea to whom the book is addressed. If you read about the topic previously you can skip this audiobook entirely, otherwise, it might be a good introduction.
A multitude of other topics is touched, such us: MLMs, scams, conspiracy theories, but they are described in a very short way that feels like common knowledge.

The second part, the narration.
The voice itself is decent, nothing bad about it. However, had I not listened to the audiobook at 2x speed I would not be able to finish it. The narrator is extremely sloooooooooooooooooooow.

To sum up, I see no way in which the reader could benefit from listening to this audiobook. There are better alternatives that have more content. The premise that you will "Understand the Hidden Pathways of Your Thought Patterns- Improve Your Memory, Make Rational Decisions, Tune Down Emotional Reactions, and Set Realistic Expectations" is just gibberish that has no foundation in the actual content of the book.

3 people found this helpful

Awesome

The chapters are as follows:
1) Neuroscience of belief and perception
2) Memory and error
3) On reality
4) Arguments and logical fallacies
5) Marketing, media and other mindgames
6) Conspiracy theories demystified

This is overall a great succinct, informative and science-based book. I had to recently return a book about "changing the habit of being yourself" because the blurb falsely advertised it as being about neuroscience, when in fact it was full of tapping into the consciousness of the universe and raising your frequency crap. "Neuroscience and Critical Thinking", on the other hand, is the real deal. It starts with how the human brain processes and stores information, which informs how biased our perception of past and present reality is. The later chapters on logical fallacies, marketing and conspiracy theories were the most interesting to me as I try to convey a little of that to my university physics students whenever the opportunity arises. If only critical thinking skills were a required class starting in middle school we would not have to deal with today's obscurantism as evidenced by flat earthers, alien cover-up "theorists", climate change deniers etc. This little book will teach you how biased your brain is, and what to do about it now that you know that.
Note: I was given this book in exchange for a review.

1 person found this helpful

Nice introduction

A good overview, while using relatable examples, without going too far in depth. This book provided me with more information about critical thinking. It also intrigued me enough to add three more books on this topic to my library.

1 person found this helpful

Easy and short

Note: I received this book for free.

This was quite a short listen and very basic intro to the subject but it was easy to follow and very simple to understand. Despite all of this I would give it 3,5 stars and recommend it only to people who want a very basic introductory level book on the subject.

1 person found this helpful

Informative

The first half of the book is very informative and the last half is practical. I really enjoy learning about how our brains work and why. I recommend it for anyone that deals with people.

1 person found this helpful

Critical thinking for dummies

subtitle of this book should be, critical thinking 101. far too basic and rudimentary than the title suggests, especially if you're already even a rudimentary critical thinker.

if Audible wants less returns they need a feature to skim through a book before you buy. the short pre selected intros are not always accurately representative.

Cursory glance

In this book we get a basic summation of what is and what is not critical thinking, so he defines terms which is good. The last half of the book is focused mostly on conspiracy theories and why they shouldn’t be trusted. Logical fallacies of different types are explained but it is constantly compared with people who believe conspiracies. Almost pitting logic against the beliefs of others instead of explaining deep thought patterns that make us believe what can’t be proven. I understand the author may be trying to link a logical fallacy with a subject we all know well (ie the moon landing hoax conspiracy) but, I think the same idea could have been conveyed with more personable stories and in the process would have made the book more interesting.
The takeaway for me was that you should check multiple sources of information without finding one and believing it. Also, question yourself to see if what you think is supported by evidence.
This book is basic and short. The author could have dug deeper on a lot of subjects and concepts. Good for a new audience or people who are just beginning to think introspectively.

good but short

overall I like it.
the book is short trying to cover a deep subject, it feels like an introduction to different concepts related to critical thinking.
It also feels like jumping from one subject to another with out connection.
i didn't like the performance and the voice of the narrator, he didn't transmit passion for the subject, it feels like those software generated voices

Informative book

Full disclosure: I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.

This book provides many concepts about thought processes, patterns, and biases and then examples of each. There is only one or two examples of each concept as lots of concepts are covered and the book is just 2 hrs and 21 minutes.
It would have been nice to have more examples, more information, and recommendations on how to deal with situations where critical thinking and rational decision making could be utilized. Not instructions, but recommendations.

The narrator was a good choice with clear enunciation and made me feel like I was listening to a knowledgeable professor in class.

Overall, I would recommend this book if you were looking to learn about many process, patterns, and biases to be cognizant of in our daily lives.
However, if you are looking for a in depth dive of critical thinking and neuroscience, I would recommend looking elsewhere.