December 13, 2017, by apyob2

Making an Important Decision? This may help…

I usually struggle to get myself in the right mindset for lectures, but what I learnt today ‘transformed’ my life. 

Imagine the shock I received when I was told today in my lecture that sometimes, it is impossible to make some decisions rationally. Fancy a holiday to Japan? Well, you wont be able to make a rational decision about it. The same applies for so many things, even considering having children.

Let me share some of what I learnt with you all below.

Rational and Irrational decisions.

 

Allergic to peanuts? Well, lets say you decide to steer clear of eating that Reeses pieces chocolate bar and opt for your favourite galaxy bar. Congratulations. You have made a rational decision. Opt for the Reeses pieces? Well, you’ve made an irrational (and wrong) decision according to Paul.

The way this works is by weighing the pros and cons against each other of each decision, and opting for the best one.

 

 

These are decisions we can actually make rationally. Some, to my surprise, are impossible to make on a rational basis.

 

Non-Rational decisions  

 

Not convinced? Well, how would you weigh up the pros and cons of, say, choosing to adopt a pet dog?

Well, according to Paul,you can’t. With situations like these, where your decision can change the way you are, or what you will learn, it is impossible to make a rational choice. Who knows, that dog could drive you crazy, or it could help you meet your future wife at the park…

 

 

 

If you find this interesting, or want to read more, here is a great interview with Paul herself.

If you enjoyed this post, consider a philosophy degree. Just know you wont be able to decide rationally!

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