How to Think About Thinking

In an interview with neuroscientist Adrian Owen, the concept of executive function is discussed. Executive function is a term that encompasses various brain functions, many of which are overlapping and broad in nature. It is often difficult to define due to the complexity and interconnectedness of these functions. Owen's operational definition of executive function is a brain process that controls one or more subordinate processes, such as planning, working memory, and attention.

Owen's book, "Think Before You Think," aims to encourage individuals to think more critically about their decisions, plans, and attentions. This idea of "thinking about thinking" is what the title refers to. Executive function is considered a better measure of cognitive abilities than IQ because it cannot be reduced to a single number, unlike physical fitness. Each person's cognitive abilities are unique and multifaceted, just as physical fitness can involve various tasks such as running, lifting, or throwing.