Lulie and David chat about decision making, focusing on the roles of creativity, institutions, and emotions. They debunk the misconception of decisions being made by analyzing data. The conversation explores the limitations of Decision Theory and the extent to which decision making requires emotion. They also discuss the impact of contradictory wants, the effects of emotions and brain damage, and the connection between emotions and decision making, particularly in professions like acting.
Decision making involves a creative process that goes beyond analyzing data.
Emotions have a significant impact on decision making and complement analytical thinking.
Deep dives
The Role of Creativity in Decision Making
Decision making is not simply a mechanical process, but involves a creative element. Collecting data and analyzing pros and cons are important, but they are not the essence of decision making. The creative process of decision making begins with identifying a problem and conflicting ideas. It involves thinking of new options and looking at existing options in a new way. Creative thinking allows for innovative solutions and alternative perspectives, which may lead to better decision making outcomes.
The Importance of Starting with the Problem
When making decisions, it is crucial to start with the problem rather than solely relying on data. Looking at the problem from different angles and considering conflicting ideas can help uncover insights and potential solutions. This process involves questioning assumptions, seeking alternative perspectives, and finding innovative ways to approach the problem. By starting with the problem, decision makers gain a deeper understanding of the context and can develop more effective options.
Decisions as Problem Solving
Decisions are essentially problems that require solutions. Every decision involves identifying a problem, considering options, and choosing the best course of action. The decision-making process often involves conflicting ideas or theories about how to solve the problem. Evaluating different options, understanding their implications, and weighing their potential outcomes are all part of decision making. Ultimately, decision making is a continuous process of problem solving, driven by creativity and critical thinking.
The Interplay of Emotions and Decision Making
Emotions play a crucial role in decision making, alongside analytical thinking. While some believe that decisions should be purely logical or based on data, emotions provide valuable insights and considerations. Emotions can guide our preferences, highlight underlying desires, and shape our motivations. They serve as a complement to analytical thinking by providing a holistic perspective and influencing the weight we assign to different options. Emotion-informed decision making can lead to more authentic, meaningful, and satisfying outcomes.
Lulie and David chat about decision making. They discuss the roles of creativity, institutions and emotions in decision making, and the misconception that decisions are made by analysing data.
The conversation explores how decision making isn't a mechanical process, but rests on creative thinking. David criticises Decision Theory as a framework for decisions, and Lulie wonders to what extent decision-making requires emotion.
00:00 Introduction – we're BACK, baby!
00:59 Difficulties people have with decision making
01:46 The role of creativity in decisions
03:56 Do we ever "make decisions" when things are going well?
06:01 Decision Theory is not how we make choices (generally)
15:36 Are decisions emotions-based?
19:30 Principles (Art of Accomplishment's version)
23:59 Institutions (David's version)
28:25 Knowledge/thought is also needed!
34:50 Example from Lulie's life
39:36 Analytical, or emotional?
42:03 E-motions are needed for action (Lulie's hot take)
47:09 Acting, Method acting (Lulie's crackpot take)
53:47 Details for the How to Make Great Decisions course by Art of Accomplishment
If you're looking to improve your relationship with decisions in 2024, Art of Accomplishment is offering its once-a-year Decisions course starting January 11th. (Sign-ups close Monday January 8th.)
Discount code for $100 off:
LULIE100
I'll be a participant this year too, so this is a chance to do it alongside me as I share my own deep-dive journey there. Hope you'll join me!
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