Judgement & Decision-Making

During the expert session, Robert Rowland Smith, a philosopher, engages the audience through methods like a Q&A session, live demonstrations using Mentimeter for interactive exercises and polls, and group discussions. He explores decision-making from philosophical and psychological perspectives while encouraging audience participation. Using examples and scenarios, Smith highlights the significance of good and bad decisions, the impact of emotions on choice, and the role of effective communication in persuasion. Participants share their insights through Mentimeter activities and open discussions.

• Uncovering the Power of Intuition: Understanding how our unconscious mind influences decision-making through scenarios like parapraxis is essential for gaining a more holistic perspective on the choices we make.
• Effective Decision Categorization: Categorizing decisions into System 1 (intuitive) and System 2 (rational) helps us identify which choices require deeper thought, ensuring we approach decision-making with clarity and intention.
• The Importance of Assumption Checking: Being aware of our assumptions when making decisions is crucial for avoiding potential biases and ensuring that our choices are based on accurate information.

In this expert session, philosopher Robert Rowland Smith leads a captivating exploration into the intricacies of decision-making, drawing insights from both philosophical and psychological perspectives. The session begins with Robert acknowledging that while some decisions require deep thought and consideration, such as Sophie's Choice in the film, many everyday choices we make consume equal mental energy.

He asks participants to share good decisions they have made that day, emphasizing that even small choices contribute to our learning and growth. Introducing the concept of Hobson's Choice and binary versus ternary choices, Robert discusses how making a choice can give us a sense of control and agency, while also highlighting the impact of having too many options on decision-making.

Using Mentimeter, an engagement tool, Smith asks participants to make decisions between Kate Middleton and Megan Markle, illustrating the psychological effect of having to choose between two options. He then shares a scenario with three choices and delves into the nuances of making a decision in such contexts.

Throughout the session, Robert encourages audience participation and incorporates their insights through the chat function. As he discusses the importance of emotional and rational approaches to decision-making, Smith touches upon various tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and scenario planning. He also emphasizes the significance of effective communication, using logic, emotion, and credibility when trying to persuade others.

 

Smith explores complexities in decision-making by discussing emotional states such as love and fear and their impact on choices. Using examples from abusive relationships and politics, he illustrates how contradictory feelings can lead to complicated choices.

Comparing the human brain to a computer that makes yes or no decisions quickly, Smith discusses the Ajzenberg Paradox and its implications for group decision-making. He then introduces the concept of System 1 and System 2 decision-making, highlighting the importance of being aware of unconscious influences on our choices.

Towards the end of the session, Robert engages participants with a thought-provoking scenario about unconscious desires and decisions, using Freud's interpretation of parapraxis as an example. He encourages individuals to reflect on their intuitive versus rational decisions and suggests categorizing them for better decision-making clarity.

Smith also emphasizes the significance of being aware of assumptions and checking them when making choices and acknowledges that our unconscious mind might sometimes make decisions for us. The session concludes with a Q&A opportunity, where participants can ask questions or share their thoughts on the topic.

No other sessions available at this moment.

• Excellent. Useful information presented in a clear, engaging way, both in slides and verbal presentation. Very inspiring to see someone who is expert on this subject, being able to present it in an easy, engaging and down to earth way.
• Very good.
• Thank you.
• Great facilitator, good examples, perfect amount of interactivity. Thanks!
• Excellent, also to take the audience with him and to actively ask.
• Seems to be an introduction in decision making. Looking forward to the follow-up sessions, going into more details on this interesting topic. Any good background material? Highly preferred books on this topic?