Judd Spitzer

Tag: Thinking

  • AI Is Dumb

    AI Is Dumb

    I’ve already said this before, and I’ll say it again: AI is dumb. Not useless. Not unimpressive. Not unimportant. But dumb. And the reason this matters is because most people don’t really understand what AI actually does or how it works — and that’s important if you’re going to make decisions about the tools you use.

    Let’s Talk About Algorithms

    We hear the word algorithm all the time. It sounds mysterious and technical, like something only engineers should understand. But an algorithm is just a mathematical formula. That’s it. At the end of the day, computers are incredible math machines. Think about a simple number sequence: 2, 4, 6. If someone asks you what comes next, you immediately guess 8. You didn’t think deeply about it. You recognized a pattern and predicted what comes next. That’s what AI does. Now imagine doing that not with numbers, but with words, images, sounds, and ideas — and doing it billions of times per second. Suddenly the simple pattern game becomes something that feels magical.

    Prediction Engines

    Most of what we call AI today is actually something much more specific: large language models, image generation models, audio models, and video models. They’re all variations of the same idea — prediction engines trained on data. A language model guesses the next word. An image model guesses the next pixel. A music model guesses the next note. They don’t understand. They don’t think. They don’t know. They predict. And they are unbelievably good at it.

    Why It Feels Real

    You can chat with an AI and it can feel like you’re talking to a person. That part really is amazing. But you’re not. These systems are designed to generate responses that feel helpful, relevant, and conversational. They can pull in real-time data, summarize information, and give you answers that are accurate and useful. When you interact with them, it feels conscious. It feels real. But what you’re experiencing is the future of computing — not the birth of intelligence. It’s a guessing machine operating at a scale humanity has never seen before.

    The Future Gets More Confusing

    As we move into the world of agentic AI — systems that appear to operate on their own — this confusion will only grow. AI will schedule things. AI will monitor things. AI will act on your behalf. And the more capable these systems become, the more people will assume intelligence is emerging. But it’s still tools. We are still in charge. At least for now.

    Tools, Not Boogeymen

    I love tools. Power tools let you solve problems faster. They give you leverage. They let you do things that would take far longer without them. AI is a power tool for thinking and creating. You don’t have to use it. You can avoid it for a while. But eventually, you won’t be able to. You’ll call a company and AI will route your call. You’ll ask for help and AI will be behind the support system. You’ll hire someone and they’ll be using AI to do the work you asked them to do. The world is changing whether we like it or not. AI isn’t the scary boogeyman people imagine. It’s a tool. And it’s here to stay.

  • Why It’s Time to L.E.A.D. Instead of Just Think Critically

    Why It’s Time to L.E.A.D. Instead of Just Think Critically

    In today’s world, we often hear the call to “think critically”—whether we’re making personal decisions, debating big issues, or trying to navigate a sea of information. But what does “critical thinking” really mean, and is it enough to guide us to the best outcomes? Let’s dive in.

    Defining Critical Thinking

    At its core, critical thinking is the ability to think in a clear, rational way. It involves analyzing information, questioning assumptions, evaluating evidence, and drawing reasoned conclusions. It’s a broad skill set that can be applied in countless ways and contexts. However, because it’s so broad, “critical thinking” can sometimes be a bit of a catch-all phrase—it doesn’t always guarantee that we’re relying on the most solid, evidence-based approach.

    Introducing L.E.A.D.: Logic and Evidence Analysis & Decision-Making

    This is where L.E.A.D. comes in. L.E.A.D. stands for Logic, Evidence, Analysis, and Decision-Making, and it’s a more focused framework for approaching problems and decisions. Instead of just thinking critically in a general sense, L.E.A.D. is about rooting your reasoning firmly in logic and hard evidence. It’s a commitment to a step-by-step process that ensures your conclusions are as fact-based and reliable as possible.

    How L.E.A.D. Differs from Traditional Critical Thinking

    To see the difference more clearly, let’s break it down:

    AspectCritical ThinkingL.E.A.D. (Logic & Evidence Analysis & Decision)
    DefinitionGeneral process of analyzing and evaluating information to form a judgment.A structured approach emphasizing logic and evidence as the foundation of decision-making.
    FocusBroad; can include emotional, intuitive, or contextual reasoning.Narrow and disciplined; prioritizes logical steps and verifiable evidence.
    MethodologyInvolves questioning, evaluating arguments, and considering multiple viewpoints.Involves a step-by-step reliance on logic and evidence.
    Outcome DifferenceMay lead to diverse conclusions depending on context and individual perspectives.Aims for more consistent, reliable outcomes anchored in logic and fact.

    Why L.E.A.D. Matters

    By shifting from general “critical thinking” to L.E.A.D. thinking, we’re advocating for a more consistent and objective approach to decision-making. L.E.A.D. helps ensure that our conclusions are grounded in logic and evidence, reducing the influence of bias and helping us arrive at more reliable outcomes. In other words, it’s not just about thinking critically—it’s about leading with logic and evidence every step of the way.

    So let’s start using the term L.E.A.D. thinking. By doing so, we’re making a commitment to a more rigorous, reliable way of navigating the world—one logical step at a time.