In his article titled, “The Science of Why People Insist on Making Idiotic Decisions,” Andre Spicer evaluates the motive behind “idiotic” decisions. Having been written during an ongoing period of political and economic turmoil, the article draws attention to current points of debate: Trump’s policies, Brexit, and climate change. Spicer is professor at City, university of London. He has authored several books and academic journal entries, but this article was intended for the public to digest. The article attempts to ambiguously dissuade readers from making bad decisions by appealing to the reader with statistical and sociological analysis. In “The Science of Why People Insist on Making Idiotic Decisions”, Andre Spicer effectively utilizes
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He asserts that despite having research-based evidence pointing in one direction, the public will willfully ignore it. Although a majority of experts agree that Donald Trump’s policies and the UK’s vote to leaves the European Union are “questionable,” they both gained the support needed to become reality. He states that “General levels of education have never been higher…” and “…experts continue to be trusted by 70% of the public” (1). So where does the disconnect occur? Spicer argues that the only way to find out is by looking at the way people process information. He begins by bringing up a recent work of his, titled “The Stupidity Paradox”, in which he evaluates the role of cognitive bias plays in decision making. This is his attempt at establishing his credibility in the subject. By establishing his credibility in the work, his claims become more substantial. He introduces cognitive biases as instances where we make “quick decisions about complex issues on the basis of past beliefs” (1). Instead of looking into the truth, most people spend their time confirming their initial …show more content…
Andre Spicer is a peer-reviewed source of credible information, but it should be noted that he has a vested interest in the results of Brexit, as he is a native of London. Clearly he wants his place of residence to be financially stable, and Brexit may have destabilized the UK for the time being. He also presents the flaw in academic research in his closing paragraphs. This could introduce distrust in his readers and weaken his overall argument. His, sometimes blunt, language may also dissuade readers from taking him seriously. The article would frequently utilize harsh words to rile up the audience, but that may leave a negative impression on
He asserts that despite having research-based evidence pointing in one direction, the public will willfully ignore it. Although a majority of experts agree that Donald Trump’s policies and the UK’s vote to leaves the European Union are “questionable,” they both gained the support needed to become reality. He states that “General levels of education have never been higher…” and “…experts continue to be trusted by 70% of the public” (1). So where does the disconnect occur? Spicer argues that the only way to find out is by looking at the way people process information. He begins by bringing up a recent work of his, titled “The Stupidity Paradox”, in which he evaluates the role of cognitive bias plays in decision making. This is his attempt at establishing his credibility in the subject. By establishing his credibility in the work, his claims become more substantial. He introduces cognitive biases as instances where we make “quick decisions about complex issues on the basis of past beliefs” (1). Instead of looking into the truth, most people spend their time confirming their initial …show more content…
Andre Spicer is a peer-reviewed source of credible information, but it should be noted that he has a vested interest in the results of Brexit, as he is a native of London. Clearly he wants his place of residence to be financially stable, and Brexit may have destabilized the UK for the time being. He also presents the flaw in academic research in his closing paragraphs. This could introduce distrust in his readers and weaken his overall argument. His, sometimes blunt, language may also dissuade readers from taking him seriously. The article would frequently utilize harsh words to rile up the audience, but that may leave a negative impression on