Feel first, think second: is our brain really cut out for the modern world? | Big Think

Summary

This script explores the nature of human rationality and the ways our brains are wired to think and make decisions. It discusses the limitations of our emotional responses and biases, especially in modern challenges like climate change and sustainability. The script suggests tools to improve reasoning, such as thinking from an outsider's perspective and using Bayes' Rule to update beliefs based on new evidence. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and critical thinking in overcoming irrational tendencies, while remaining optimistic about the progress of reason and moral development over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 The brain is designed for survival, not rational thinking or reasoning. Its primary job is to help us make it to tomorrow.
• 😀 In the past, the brain helped us survive physical dangers (e.g., animals, the dark), but it struggles to handle modern complex risks like climate change and genetic engineering.
• 😀 Rationality is an evolving process, and as we recognize the weaknesses in our thinking, we can develop better tools to improve decision-making.
• 😀 There are many ways to be irrational, including emotional bias, poor decision-making, and being myopic. There is no one solution to avoid all irrationality, but developing awareness can help.
• 😀 Thinking from an outsider's perspective can inject more rationality into your decision-making, as you're less clouded by personal emotions and biases.
• 😀 When facing emotional decisions (e.g., falling in love), seek advice from someone who isn't emotionally invested, like a parent, to see the long-term perspective.
• 😀 We often irrationally stick with decisions, relationships, or careers that are no longer serving us due to emotional attachment or fear of wasted investment.
• 😀 The brain's chemistry makes us feel first and think second. Emotional reactions tend to overpower rational thought, which can lead to poor decisions.
• 😀 To counteract impulsive emotional decisions, take more time before acting. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to make a rational decision based on facts rather than feelings.
• 😀 Bayes' rule is a powerful tool for thinking about evidence. It encourages you to update your beliefs based on new, objective information and consider alternative explanations.
• 😀 While emotions may cloud judgment in the short term, reason and rationality tend to prevail in the long run. Human progress is a result of exercising reason, and this trend is likely to continue.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the human brain, according to the script?

The primary function of the human brain is to ensure survival by helping us navigate the world and make decisions that will get us to tomorrow. It's not designed to win Nobel Prizes or pass tests, but rather to protect us from dangers and keep us alive.

How does the brain's function in the past differ from its function in the modern world?

In the past, the brain's function was primarily geared toward survival in a world full of physical dangers like wild animals and the unknown. In contrast, today’s challenges are more abstract, such as climate change, genetically modified food, and unsustainable living, requiring more rational thinking and reasoning.

Why do we need to develop better thinking tools for decision-making?

We need better thinking tools because our brains are hardwired to prioritize emotions over reason. In today's complex world, where the risks are more abstract, relying on emotional instincts alone is no longer sufficient to navigate challenges. Developing better tools, like Bayes' Rule, helps us make more rational, informed decisions.

What role do emotions play in decision-making, and how does it affect our rationality?

Emotions play a significant role in decision-making, often leading us to jump to conclusions or make impulsive choices. The brain feels first and thinks second, meaning emotional reactions can overpower rational analysis, leading to potentially irrational decisions. Acknowledging this helps us step back and make more reasoned choices.

How can adopting an outsider’s perspective help improve decision-making?

Adopting an outsider’s perspective helps reduce emotional bias and provides a clearer, more objective view. For example, when you're emotionally invested in a relationship or decision, seeking advice from someone who is not emotionally involved can help you see the long-term implications and avoid being blinded by short-term feelings.

What is the 'sunk cost fallacy' and how does it impact decision-making?

The sunk cost fallacy occurs when people continue investing time, money, or effort into something just because they’ve already invested a lot, even if it no longer benefits them. This irrational commitment can prevent individuals from making more logical decisions and moving on from situations that are no longer serving them.

What strategy can be used to avoid making rash decisions driven by emotion?

A strategy to avoid making rash decisions is to take more time before finalizing important choices. By pausing for a day or even a week, you allow emotions to subside and give yourself time to gather more information, especially from sources that challenge your existing beliefs.

What is Bayes' Rule and how can it improve reasoning?

Bayes' Rule is a mathematical concept that provides a formal way to update beliefs based on new evidence. It encourages you to consider not just whether new evidence fits your existing worldview, but whether it might fit a different theory better, promoting more objective reasoning and the ability to adjust your beliefs in light of new information.

How can Bayes' Rule help in avoiding confirmation bias?

Bayes' Rule helps in avoiding confirmation bias by prompting you to actively question whether new evidence supports your current beliefs or whether it would be better explained by an alternative perspective. This process reduces the tendency to only seek out information that confirms what you already believe.

What is the outlook for human reasoning, based on the script?

The outlook for human reasoning is optimistic. While humans are still prone to emotional biases and irrationality in the short term, over time, rationality tends to prevail. The development of tools like Bayes' Rule and increased self-awareness will continue to help us improve our decision-making and expand our moral circle.