Comments on: Scientists and Magicians

By: Marc b

Marc b — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 16:19:47 +0000

Did we really need a study to realize this? I find this attitude closely related to how honest people are with themselves and in general. If you are honest enough to cede failure or error, then you are less likely to justify your misstep afterwards.

The second Iraq War is a prime example of this phenomenon. Justifications changed almost on a daily basis, for a war that is and was illegal under international and domestic law. Some people still cannot come to terms with the fact that it was an error and in the face of all facts and realities, choose to be ignorant and make insane arguments.

By: Anca

Anca — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 14:50:20 +0000

Really interesting article. The decision making process is a very difficult one and everyone should be aware that he/she is responsible for his/her decisions.

By: Mark Shead

Mark Shead — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:02:14 +0000

I think I read about it originally in Scientific American Mind. Try this page.

By: Praktic

Praktic — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:52:40 +0000

Hi,

very interesting.

Where did you learn about this research?

All the best,

By: Jordan Schroeder

Jordan Schroeder — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 19:29:26 +0000

Do you have a reference to that study? I’m interested in the conditions and variables.

On the flip-side, I have heard it said that “you should always give your decisions, never your reasons; your decisions are likely to be right, your decisions are likely to be wrong…” But that advice only works if you are using intuition as a basis for your decision. If there is actionable data available, you SHOULD be using that, but be clear with yourself when you are making decisions based on your intuition or hard data (and as this article shows, that line can be faked).