December 9, 2017, by apytg1

When choosing to eat Brussels sprouts IS NOT a rational decision!

‘Tis the season for Brussels sprouts… Although perhaps more excitingly, ’tis the season for the University of Nottingham’s open day! Today I had the pleasure of sitting in on Andy Fisher’s philosophy lecture on Laurie Paul, where I learnt that eating Brussels sprouts for the first may not be a rational decision!

Here’s how it works…

Decision Theory

According to decision theory, we need 3 steps to make a rational decision:

1. Determine the possible outcomes of each decision.
2. Identify the value of each outcome.
3. Figure out the probability of each outcome.

The option with the best combined value and probability is the rational choice. So, what is my excuse to turn down the Brussels sprouts for the first time?

Transformative Experience

Paul claims some outcomes require certain ‘what it’s like’ knowledge before we can assign value to them. She calls this a transformative experience.  When we eat a Brussels sprout for the first time, we undergo a transformative experience. Therefore, we cannot assign a legitimate value to eating a sprout before actually eating one!

This prevents us from making a rational decision, as we cannot follow our 3-step process without the necessary information.

If not rational, then what?

Paul also makes the following distinction:

• Non-rational: Making a decision based on unforeseen outcomes.
• Irrational: Having the correct information and not choosing the highest value outcome, OR assigning values based on misinformation.

Therefore, it seems choosing to eat Brussels sprouts for the first time is a non-rational decision. The perfect excuse to give to Mum when she hands you the sprouts bowl!

Paul’s paper is one of many topics on offer from the University of Nottingham’s philosophy department. Visit one of our open days to find out more! 

 

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