Prelogical thinking is a type of thinking that doesn’t involve much analysis or logic. It’s based on the simplest approach to solving problems, often ignoring contradictions and avoiding critical thinking. This way of thinking can be a survival mechanism, a way to navigate complex or uncertain situations without delving into deeper analysis. It’s instinctive, relying on basic cognitive processes and a need for quick decisions, sometimes bypassing logic altogether.

As we’ve evolved as a species, our capacity for complex thought has advanced. Today, we process and analyze more information than ever before. But not everyone relies on the same modes of thinking to the same extent. Some individuals still rely heavily on prelogical thinking—thinking that’s closer to what our ancestors might have used, when logic and reasoning weren’t as crucial for immediate survival. For many, this way of thinking is deeply ingrained, often unconscious, and can hinder effective decision-making.

Primitive Thinking in a Modern World

In early human societies, people lived in close-knit communities, often shaped by collective beliefs and practices. These early societies depended on conformity, where deviations from the norm could result in rejection or even death. For early humans, survival depended on staying within the boundaries of the group and adhering to the established rules. This led to the development of prelogical thinking—a way of thinking that didn’t require in-depth analysis or critical thought.

At that time, there was relatively little information to analyze. What mattered most was survival, and to ensure survival, people often had to trust the leaders and follow their instructions without question. In many such situations, there was little room for debate; if a tribe leader said that a neighboring tribe was dangerous, the response was often to attack first. Logic or analysis was less relevant because the perceived cost of error was too high.

In these situations, people relied on their immediate perceptions and experiences. If something worked—like a rainstorm after sacrificing an animal—they saw it as a reliable cause-and-effect relationship, not something to question. Prelogical thinking is based on the simplest cause-and-effect relationships: if X happens, Y will follow. This is how superstitions began and how the human mind coped with the complexities of the world with limited information and analytical tools.

The Evolution of Thinking: A Mixed Blessing

As human societies became more complex and information more abundant, thinking evolved to include more reasoning and analysis. However, not everyone adapted equally to these changes. Some people still rely on prelogical thinking, which bypasses logic and critical thinking. The brain, particularly when under stress or facing information overload, may rely more heavily on this simplified mode of thinking. This tendency is not solely related to age.

When there’s too much information to process, the mind conserves energy by opting for prelogical thinking. It’s less taxing and provides a quicker resolution, even if that resolution isn’t the most accurate or logical. This phenomenon is often associated with societies with lower levels of education, where people are more likely to turn to conspiracy theories, superstitions, or mystical explanations for events they don’t understand. It’s easier for the brain to latch onto simple, clear answers, such as conspiracy theories or superstitions, even if they don’t make sense, than to engage in the mental work required for critical thinking.

The Role of Society in Reinforcing Prelogical Thinking

In societies where access to education is limited, mystical thinking often replaces scientific reasoning. People may attribute personal or societal problems to vague concepts like “the wrath of God” or “evil forces” rather than looking for logical, evidence-based explanations. This is often a result of prelogical thinking: the perceived inability to handle large amounts of complex information leads people to prefer simple, albeit inaccurate, answers.

The fear of the unknown, the need to feel secure, and the desire to belong all contribute to this mindset. It’s easier to blame an outside force than to understand the true complexity of a situation. When faced with uncertainty, the brain looks for the quickest way to make sense of things, often clinging to beliefs that feel familiar, even if they’re ultimately misguided.

The Trap of Simplicity: Why We Choose Easy Answers

Prelogical thinking isn’t just about avoiding complexity; it’s also about the sense of satisfaction the brain gets from simple, understandable answers. When we believe we’ve solved a problem, even if the solution is flawed, our brain may reward us with a sense of accomplishment. This feeling of certainty can be comforting, especially in a world full of ambiguity.

For example, many people feel satisfaction from adopting conspiracy theories because they provide a clear, albeit often inaccurate, explanation for complex issues. The theory may be full of inconsistencies and inaccuracies, but it gives the individual a sense of control and understanding. In this sense, prelogical thinking can provide emotional relief, even if it leads to erroneous conclusions.

Prelogical Thinking in the Modern Age: A Barrier to Critical Thinking

In today’s world, where information is abundant and complex, reliance on prelogical thinking can be detrimental. Without the ability to engage in critical thinking, people may struggle to navigate modern challenges, from political debates to personal decision-making. This reliance on simplistic, illogical explanations can lead to poor judgments and reinforce negative behaviors, such as the rejection of science or the acceptance of baseless rumors.

The key to overcoming prelogical thinking is education—developing the skills necessary to process information critically and logically. Critical thinking enables individuals to separate fact from fiction, to analyze situations from multiple angles, and to make informed decisions. This process takes time and effort, but it’s crucial for navigating a world that is increasingly complex.

Conclusion: Breaking Free from Prelogical Thinking

Prelogical thinking served our ancestors well, potentially allowing them to survive in a dangerous and unpredictable world. But today, it can hold us back from making rational, informed decisions. In a world where information overload is a constant challenge, it’s easy to fall back on simple, comforting answers that don’t require much mental effort. However, relying on these shortcuts can lead to poor decision-making, misunderstandings, and missed opportunities.

To move beyond prelogical thinking, we must challenge ourselves to think critically, to question assumptions, and to seek out evidence before drawing conclusions. By doing so, we can better navigate the complexities of the modern world, make more informed choices, and avoid falling prey to the false comforts of simplistic, illogical explanations. Developing critical thinking skills is essential for navigating the complexities of the modern world.