Monthly Archives: August 2022

Apples and oranges – Part I: what is wrong with utilitarianism, anyway?

Posted on August 26, 2022 by koenfucius

<featured image: <apples and oranges.jpg> via DALL·E) Utilitarianism is a philosophy to guide the choices we make, in which these should be judged on their consequences, against a requirement of maximizing happiness and well-being (or minimizing harm) for all affected … Continue reading →

Posted in Behavioural economics, Economics, Ethics, Morality, Philosophy, Psychology | Tagged | 1 Comment

An accidental behavioural economist cannot help himself

Posted on August 19, 2022 by koenfucius

(featured image: Sarah Richter/Flickr CC BY NC ND 2.0) In which the author is reminded of the importance of questioning one’s intuitions – even if well-informed – and assumptions, and of what ultimately is behind many of our decisions Without … Continue reading →

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

Choosing what we care about

Posted on August 12, 2022 by koenfucius

(image via DALL-E) What we do not care about does not affect us. That gives us a kind of superpower to be happier, which we don’t always use as much as we could An unexpected bonus, the person we want … Continue reading →

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

Not the best of targets

Posted on August 5, 2022 by koenfucius

Targets can influence our behaviour in a beneficial way, by providing guidance and giving us motivation. But not all targets are equally effective It may be hard to believe nowadays, when we can stream any radio programme or music by … Continue reading →

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