In a world where misinformation and cognitive biases often lead to poor decision-making, there's a growing need for better tools to help individuals think critically and act with integrity. This is especially true in high-stakes areas like philanthropy, policy, and research, where flawed reasoning can have serious consequences. While some training programs exist, they often focus narrowly on specific skills or lack practical applications, leaving room for more comprehensive solutions.

Building Better Thinkers

One approach could involve creating training programs that combine epistemic skills (like critical thinking and bias mitigation) with integrity practices (such as honesty and ethical decision-making). These could take several forms:

• Short, interactive workshops focusing on specific skills like forecasting or structured debate
• Longer fellowship programs that pair training with real-world projects
• Online platforms offering tools to practice decision-making in realistic scenarios

The training might appeal particularly to three groups: members of communities that already value rational thinking, professionals in high-impact fields, and students who are still developing their thinking habits. Participants could benefit from improved decision-making abilities, while organizers might find opportunities to spread best practices and potentially generate revenue through tuition or institutional partnerships.

From Idea to Implementation

A simple way to test this concept might involve starting with a pilot workshop for a specific community, then expanding based on feedback. More advanced versions could include:

1. Developing fellowship programs where participants apply their skills to actual problems
2. Integrating existing tools like forecasting platforms to make learning more practical
3. Partnering with universities or professional organizations to reach wider audiences

Unlike some existing programs that focus mainly on theoretical rationality, this approach could emphasize practical applications and ethical dimensions. It might also differentiate itself by offering more accessible formats, like online components or shorter sessions, while maintaining depth through structured curricula and mentorship opportunities.

Measuring What Matters

To ensure the training actually improves thinking skills, several assessment methods could be used. These might include pre- and post-workshop tests of specific abilities (like spotting biases), tracking participants' real-world decisions over time, or even controlled studies comparing trained and untrained groups. The programs could be designed to minimize resistance by framing exercises as skill-building rather than criticism, using neutral group activities, and emphasizing that everyone has room for improvement.

While challenges like engagement and measurement would need to be addressed, this general approach offers a way to equip more people with the thinking tools needed to navigate an increasingly complex world. The combination of practical training, ethical components, and measurable outcomes could fill an important gap in current educational offerings.