Monthly Archives: July 2022

The illusion of dispassionate decision making

We don’t always need to perform a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to make good decisions. Earlier this week, I took half a day off and went to see an old friend, whom I had not seen for over twenty years. On … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioural economics, Emotions, Psychology | Tagged | Leave a comment

The importance of importance

Decisions often seem simpler than they are. The options have multiple implications, and these are not always easy to compare. But there is a way to cut through that complexity, and make better choices. When I was about five years … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioural economics, Cognitive biases and fallacies, Emotions, Psychology | Tagged | 1 Comment

The value of not flying

(featured image: the author via DALL-E) Why might people decline an offer of up to $10,000 just to keep their feet on the ground? What would you be prepared to do to receive $10,000 in cash, on the spot? Before … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioural economics, Cognitive biases and fallacies, Economics, Psychology | Tagged | Leave a comment

(Prime) Ministerial choices

(Featured image: No 10/Flickr CC BY NC ND 2.0) An entertaining spectacle at Westminster and 10 Downing Street is also a showcase of decision making Over his political career, the United Kingdom’s (now acting) prime minister has gained a reputation … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioural economics, Cognitive biases and fallacies, politics, Psychology | Tagged | Leave a comment

What moves us

(featured image: oatsy40/Flickr CC BY 2.0) Sometimes we follow our intuition to do the right thing, without regard for costs and benefits. But how can we know it actually is the right thing? When little Sally climbs on a chair … Continue reading

Posted in Behavioural economics, Emotions, Morality, Psychology | Tagged , | Leave a comment