How we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' FestivalHow we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' Festival
All In The Mind
In the uncertain times we live in, how exactly are we meant to make up our minds? How do we weigh up pros, cons and risk factors, and how do stress and fear bear on our capacity for critical thinking? And how often are we even aware of the decisions we’re making? On All in the Mind this week, a special panel discussion recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
29:06•11 Jun 2022
Unpacking Our Minds: Decision-Making Mysteries
Episode Overview
- Our brains use heuristics as shortcuts for quick decision-making.
- Biases can affect risk perception and racial attitudes.
- Social media amplifies outrage, affecting mental well-being.
- Awareness of biases can help in making better decisions.
- Changing environments can influence personal growth.
“Thinking is really laborious, and most of us don't want to do it when we can get away with it.”
Ever wondered how we make decisions without even realising it? In this engaging episode from the Sydney Writers' Festival, you'll be treated to a lively panel discussion featuring three brilliant minds: Meryn Irish, a cognitive neuroscience professor, Damien Cave, the Australia bureau chief for The New York Times, and Tim Dean, a senior philosopher. Together, they unravel the mysteries behind our decision-making processes, biases, and the shortcuts our brains take—known as heuristics.
The conversation kicks off with a fascinating dive into the unconscious choices we make daily and how these can sometimes lead us astray. From the sweet tooth that once aided survival to biases that affect our perceptions of risk and race, the panel explores how these mental shortcuts shape our worldviews. Damien Cave shares insights from his book on how biases influence our understanding of fear and risk, while Tim Dean delves into the evolutionary roots of these heuristics.
Social media's impact on our thinking also takes centre stage. Tim Dean highlights how platforms like Twitter amplify outrage and moral emotions, often leaving us feeling powerless and exhausted. Meanwhile, Meryn Irish discusses the neurological underpinnings of our reward systems and how they get tangled up in the digital age. As the episode wraps up, the panellists offer practical advice on overcoming biases and making better decisions.
Whether it's through conscious reflection or immersing ourselves in diverse environments, they encourage us to challenge our ingrained habits. It's a thought-provoking chat that will leave you questioning how much of your life is dictated by unseen forces in your mind. Are you ready to explore the hidden gears of your decision-making machine?
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