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7 comments

Quantifying Our Quirks?

Posted June 07, 2008 8:22 AM

Humans can behave in unpredictable, strange ways. But one scientist at MIT believes we can actually study our irrationality like other scientific mysteries. Dan Ariely provides fascinating insights into why humans sometimes make terrible decisions, including when it comes to our long term physical or financial health. Is it possible to develop some objectivity about our own quirks? Can we quantify our behavior to the point where we might be able to predict it or control it?

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Guru

Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: KnoxTN
Posts: 1448
Good Answers: 5
#1

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/08/2008 12:28 AM

"Humans can behave in unpredictable, strange ways."

Human behavior is all too often perservely doing the very things that are NOT in their own best interest. e.g. smoking, overeating, getting intoxicated, injecting drugs, believing what politicians of any stripe tell them, etc. ad infinitum. These individuals are incapable of changing their behavior with out considerable guidance and counselling.

"Can we quantify our behavior to the point where we might be able to predict it or control it?"

In my opinion it takes more commitment than most people are willing to make.

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Silicon Valley
Posts: 4709
Good Answers: 17
#2
In reply to #1

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/08/2008 1:43 AM

I contend that it is the responsibility of science to find a way for us to indulge in all those things that make life worth living (over-eating, smoking, drinking, and taking drugs) without killing ourselves!!!

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Power-User

Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Planet Earth
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#5
In reply to #2

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/08/2008 6:43 PM

Vermin, that might take longer than while we're alive or it doesn't matter, does it?

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Guru

Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Silicon Valley
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#6
In reply to #5

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/09/2008 1:22 AM

Yes!

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Guest
#7
In reply to #6

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

07/04/2008 4:37 PM

" Go vermin, go vermin....."

Jerry.

Off Topic (Score 5)
Member

Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 6
#3

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/08/2008 10:53 AM

I gave you 1 for the most concise, legitament (screw spelling) answer I have read. You hit it right on the head.

Guru

Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Germany 49° 26' N, 7° 46' O
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#4

Re: Quantifying Our Quirks?

06/08/2008 3:32 PM

Hi,

let them go with unpredictable behaviour unless they endanger others.

Human achievements are results of unpredictable behaviour: playing with fire was not accepted until our ancestors (half a million years ago) learnt how to control.

Read once more famous Aldous Huxley: Brave New World!!!

RHABE

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