Thursday, January 15, 2009

How We Decide

How We Decide
Ever wonder how it is that we make the choices we do? How does the brain process a decision, be it the split-second or the month-long rumination variety? Why did you choose that particular major? When you’re halfway across the street and a car is speeding toward mortal you, do you run across [...]

Ever wonder how it is that we make the choices we do? How does the brain process a decision, be it the split-second or the month-long rumination variety? Why did you choose that particular major? When you’re halfway across the street and a car is speeding toward mortal you, do you run across or turn back? Which first-date ensemble to wear, the obviously smoking hot one, or the more subtly smoking hot one? Paper or plastic? Large, Extra Large, Ridiculous, American, or Gigantic? Public or private? Which house should you buy, the one with enough bedrooms or the one with the amazing view?

Next month Jonah Lehrer’s newest book, How We Decide, comes out. Reading it will shed some light on the fascinating process that is human decision-making; how we make the choices we do, and how we can learn from the less-than-stellar ones and make better choices next time. Sometimes understanding the science behind it all helps.

A few reviews:

“Starred Review. Lehrer is a delight to read, and this is a fascinating book (some of which appeared recently, in a slightly different form, in the New Yorker) that will help everyone better understand themselves and their decision making.” - Publishers Weekly.

“Over the past two decades, research in neuroscience and behavioral economics has revolutionized our understanding of human decision-making. Jonah Lehrer brings it all together in this insightful and enjoyable book, giving readers the information they need to make the smartest decisions.” - Antonio Damasio, author of Descartes’ Error and Looking for Spinoza.

“An inviting, high-velocity ride through our most treasured mental act-deciding. This is truly one of the most accessible and richly-informed books on human choice. It’s a must read for anyone interested in the human mind and how cutting-edge research changes the way we think about ourselves. A marvelous success.” - Read Montague, Brown Foundation Professor of Neuroscience, Baylor College of Medicine.

Posted by Alexa Harrington


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