Compare and contrast the dual-system model of thinking and explain how these systems interact with different cognitive biases.

The dual-system model of thinking describes how the human mind operates using two distinct systems: System 1 and System 2. System 1 is the fast, automatic, intuitive, and emotional mode of thinking. It operates subconsciously, requiring very little effort, and relies on shortcuts, heuristics, and past experiences. It's responsible for our quick reactions, gut feelings, and routine tasks. System 2, on the other hand, is the slow, deliberate, analytical, and logical mode of thinking. It is conscious, requires significant effort, and engages in complex problem-solving. It allows us to evaluate information critically and make more rational decisions.

System 1 is always on and processes information rapidly and continuously, whereas System 2 is usually inactive and needs to be actively engaged for complex tasks or if it suspects that something is amiss. Most of our daily activities are handled by System 1 which is very efficient and requires very little effort. This is why we are usually not aware of it. System 2 requires a conscious effort and it is much slower than System 1, and it can only do one task at a time. If you are attempting to solve a math problem, it is System 2 that is handling that task, but it is only capable of doing that one task at that time. If you are having a conversation, or walking down the street, that is handled by System 1, and is done with very little effort. System 2 only kicks in if it detects something that is unfamiliar, or when there is a situation that requires specific logical processes, or complex analysis.

The core difference between the two systems is that System 1 is effortless, automatic, and prone to biases, whereas System 2 is effortful, conscious and more capable of evaluating information critically. System 1 acts quickly and is always on, but it can be easily influenced by feelings and gut reactions and is not aware of its own biases, which makes it prone to many errors. System 2 requires conscious effort and that effort makes it slow, so System 2 is only turned on if absolutely needed. In most situations, System 1 is used, but when it detects something that requires more critical evaluation, then it will prompt System 2 to take over.

These two systems interact with different cognitive biases in distinct ways. Many cognitive biases arise primarily from System 1 processing. These biases exploit the inherent shortcuts and reliance on past experiences that System 1 uses to make quick judgments. For example, the availability heuristic, which relies on the ease with which examples come to mind, is a product of System 1. System 1 readily accesses information that is readily available and vivid and uses that information to make quick judgments. Confirmation bias, our tendency to seek out information that confirms our beliefs, also heavily relies on System 1's automatic tendency to accept information that aligns with our pre-existing notions. The halo effect and the authority bias, which are also heavily based on gut feelings, and on previous experiences are also influenced by System 1, since System 1 is highly influenced by emotions and feelings. The anchoring bias which affects how we view subsequent numbers after an initial number, is also done subconsciously and with little to no effort, which is why it is part of System 1.

System 2, when activated, can recognize and potentially correct these biases by engaging in critical thinking and deliberate analysis. For instance, when we take time to carefully analyze the probabilities of an event occurring instead of relying on readily available examples, it's System 2 that's working to override the influence of System 1 and the availability heuristic. Similarly, when we challenge our own beliefs and seek out counter evidence, we are using System 2 to overcome confirmation bias. System 2 can also be used to critically evaluate claims and to assess the legitimacy of a figure of authority, which are not tasks that System 1 is particularly good at. This often requires a great amount of time and effort, and a conscious effort to engage the system, which is why it is not done all the time.

However, System 2 isn't always reliable. It requires effort and cognitive resources, and if we are tired, stressed, or multitasking, System 2's ability to overcome System 1's biases can be diminished. Also, System 2 can sometimes be tricked by clever manipulations into thinking it is evaluating information critically, when it is actually just adding a layer of rationality to a biased opinion. Also, System 2 can become too focused on the analytical aspect and lose sight of the bigger picture. If System 2 becomes overly focused on details, then it can lose track of all the other important factors, which can also lead to bad decisions.

In summary, System 1 and System 2 are two modes of thought that interact with cognitive biases in distinct ways. Many biases arise because of System 1's shortcuts and reliance on past experiences, while System 2, when engaged, can potentially mitigate these biases through critical analysis. Understanding this interaction is important for making informed decisions and avoiding the common pitfalls of cognitive biases. We need to be aware of the strength of both systems and the limitations of each system in order to make better choices.