Thinking and deciding /

Baron (University of Pennsylvania) provides readers with an impressively broad and serious guide to the psychology of thinking and deciding. Going beyond the usual borders of cognitive psychology, the author develops the philosophical, scientific, and experiential bases for a thorough approach to the normative, descriptive, and prescriptive aspects of judgment and choice. The first part of the book treats thinking in general, touching on problem solving, learning, creativity, and intelligence. The second part deals with probability judgments and belief; the third treats decisions and plans. Usually, such books have an ax to grind. Baron avoids this and remains open to any knowledge that bears on the problems addressed. The writing throughout is clear, lively, and well illustrated with interesting examples from practical life. The sections on implications for social and personal planning as well as for teaching are excellent. The book will be a serious contender for text adoption in undergradate and beginning graduate courses, particularly if professors are willing to learn a bit themselves. An extensive bibliography enhances the book's usefulness. Recommended for advanced students. -T. Sloan, University of Tulsa