The decline of linear (or analytical) thinking

The core way of thinking that has been valued for many years by business and educational systems is analytical or linear thinking. This involves breaking information into parts to understand structure, relationships, and meaning.

• Identifying premises and conclusions
• Recognising patterns and inconsistencies
• Comparing alternatives systematically
• Performing root cause analysis

We use this way of thinking constantly: when evaluating performance metrics, identifying flaws in proposals, or structuring a complex issue, for example.

But this way of thinking is declining in value as this is an area where AI can be used. Instead, other human thinking models are becoming more important. See: Thinking models that still matter