Defining deliberation for dual-process models of reasoning

Abstract

Deliberation, usually referred to as ‘system 2’ thinking, is a core component of popular dual-process models of reasoning. However, the precise conceptualization of this system has received limited attention. In this Perspective, I present a framework and organizing principles with which to think about deliberation and to avoid problematic misconceptions. I argue that deliberation should be understood as serving multiple, complementary functions. I highlight four such functions: response control, response generation, response justification and regulation. Throughout, I identify challenges in current theoretical and applied concepts of deliberation. Finally, I propose guiding principles and discuss critical outstanding questions. The resulting framework should help to advance the theoretical and empirical study of deliberation in the coming years. Dual-process models propose that reasoning involves intuition and deliberation, but the conceptualization of deliberation remains unclear. In this Perspective, De Neys presents four key functions of deliberation and proposes guiding principles for defining dual-process thinking.