The TED Talk, "Are We in Control of Our Own Decisions?" by Dan Ariely, provides us with a look at a possibility that we may have never thought of before. Of course we all have control over the decisions that we make, right? Ariely reveals the idea that this may not be true and discusses the cognitive illusions that may cause us to not have complete control over our own decisions that we make each day. Cognitive illusions are a big part of our lives, as well as the lives of characters in works of tragic literature.
Ariely begins by showing examples of optical illusions and explaining how they are similar to cognitive illusions. He explains that we have no option but to see what the illusion portrays as the real image. For example, the lengths of the two tables the the left are equal even though it appears that the one on the far left is longer. Ariely explains that cognitive illusions are similar in that they give us false perceptions and cause us to make decisions based on what appears to be the best option.
Additionally, we may not have complete control over our every day decisions because what we would choose or decide on our own is often not an option. For example, when filling out an order form, the maker of the form has a large influence over the decisions we will make because we are given check boxes with different options to choose from. We often weigh the options and choose the one that appears to be the best deal or closest to what we would choose ideally. I also think it was very interesting when Ariely pointed out the idea that when circumstances are tough or very complex, we often go with what others have chosen, or choose what has already been decided for us. When I first saw the title of the TED Talk that we would be watching, I thought: Of course we have control over the decisions that we make! Others can influence our choices but ultimately our decisions are our own. After watching the TED Talk, my perspective has changed and my eyes have been opened to the possibility that we may not have complete control. We can truly only make our own decisions with the options we have, so really part of the decision has already been made for us.
Similar to how we face cognitive illusions in our everyday lives, tragic characters such as those in Oedipus also face a lack of complete control over their decisions and the outcomes. For example, Oedipus knows of the prophecy that says he will kill his father and marry his mother. This illusion leads to a tragic ending in which the prophecy is fulfilled. Throughout the story, Oedipus' decisions are influenced by this cognitive illusion and cause the story to end in great tragedy.
Ariely begins by showing examples of optical illusions and explaining how they are similar to cognitive illusions. He explains that we have no option but to see what the illusion portrays as the real image. For example, the lengths of the two tables the the left are equal even though it appears that the one on the far left is longer. Ariely explains that cognitive illusions are similar in that they give us false perceptions and cause us to make decisions based on what appears to be the best option.
Additionally, we may not have complete control over our every day decisions because what we would choose or decide on our own is often not an option. For example, when filling out an order form, the maker of the form has a large influence over the decisions we will make because we are given check boxes with different options to choose from. We often weigh the options and choose the one that appears to be the best deal or closest to what we would choose ideally. I also think it was very interesting when Ariely pointed out the idea that when circumstances are tough or very complex, we often go with what others have chosen, or choose what has already been decided for us. When I first saw the title of the TED Talk that we would be watching, I thought: Of course we have control over the decisions that we make! Others can influence our choices but ultimately our decisions are our own. After watching the TED Talk, my perspective has changed and my eyes have been opened to the possibility that we may not have complete control. We can truly only make our own decisions with the options we have, so really part of the decision has already been made for us.
Similar to how we face cognitive illusions in our everyday lives, tragic characters such as those in Oedipus also face a lack of complete control over their decisions and the outcomes. For example, Oedipus knows of the prophecy that says he will kill his father and marry his mother. This illusion leads to a tragic ending in which the prophecy is fulfilled. Throughout the story, Oedipus' decisions are influenced by this cognitive illusion and cause the story to end in great tragedy.