Cognitive Bias Awareness by Lila Santoro

Cognitive Bias Awareness explores the hidden influences that shape our thinking, judgments, and choices. It highlights how cognitive biases, unconscious mental shortcuts, can lead to flawed decisions and interpersonal misunderstandings. For example, confirmation bias causes us to favor information confirming existing beliefs, while the availability heuristic leads us to overestimate the importance of easily recalled information. This book argues that while we can't eliminate biases entirely, understanding them is the first step toward mitigating their adverse effects.

The book begins by defining cognitive biases and explaining their origins, before systematically exploring a range of specific biases categorized by their primary function. It then moves to practical solutions, such as cultivating self-awareness, developing critical thinking skills, and seeking diverse perspectives.

Ultimately, the book empowers readers to make more informed and rational decisions in their daily lives, professional endeavors, and interactions with the world.