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A similar observation on irrational choice vs. optimization can be borrowed from GPS navigation. Most of the time GPS offers an optimized shortest fastest way
by zoomablemind 8y ago
A similar observation on irrational choice vs. optimization can be borrowed from GPS navigation.
Most of the time GPS offers an optimized shortest fastest way to reach a destination. Yet, often I may prefer a familiar route, or an 'easy' one (e.g long straight runs), or a 'scenic' ('cause it's that time of year) or some other irrational choice.
Then would just absorb any resulting inefficiency as a fact of life (chalk it up in Debit column, if at all).
So ultimately it's kind of optimizing for personal satisfaction (at the moment). Sticking to a rational discipline does bring satisfaction too.
- BeetleB 8y ago>or some other irrational choice None of those is an irrational choice.
- zoomablemind 8y agoSure, it makes sense to the actor himself. But to an external observer (say, who's going to the same destination) such choice does not follow common reasoning (arriving at the shortest). Gains of such choice are intangible (indeed personal satisfaction is subjective). At the same time, the 'loss' is very specific and measureable (extra time, fuel etc.) Thus in the context of a common measure such choice could be seen as irrational, especially when a rationally optimized choice is equally available.