# Anticipatory Thinking: A Metacognitive Capability

arXiv: https://arxiv.org/abs/1906.12249 · HTML: https://mlsanity.com/paper/1906.12249/

## Key facts

- Cited by 1 papers in the map (data through 14 Oct 2026).
- First posted on arXiv 28 Jun 2019.

## Built on by (most cited first, 1 of 1)

- [Computational Metacognition](https://mlsanity.com/paper/2201.12885/) (2022)

## Abstract (arXiv)

Anticipatory thinking is a complex cognitive process for assessing and managing risk in many contexts. Humans use anticipatory thinking to identify potential future issues and proactively take actions to manage their risks. In this paper we define a cognitive systems approach to anticipatory thinking as a metacognitive goal reasoning mechanism. The contributions of this paper include (1) defining anticipatory thinking in the MIDCA cognitive architecture, (2) operationalizing anticipatory thinking as a three step process for managing risk in plans, and (3) a numeric risk assessment calculating an expected cost-benefit ratio for modifying a plan with anticipatory actions.