Why Do We Make Bad Decisions Despite Knowing They Are Bad?

It is a common experience that despite knowing better, we still make decisions that lead to negative outcomes for ourselves or others. This phenomenon can be attributed to a variety of psychological and neurological factors. Let's explore these reasons in depth.

Moral Decisions and Society's Preferences

When you say, “they know are wrong,” you are referring to decisions that society deems as ethically or morally incorrect. However, the reasons behind such decisions are multi-faceted. For instance:

Joining the Majority: Choosing to align with the majority and make decisions that are in line with societal norms, such as stopping the consumption of meat if you know that it is considered wrong by others.

Hiding Truths: Selecting to conform publicly without committing to the change, like lying about not eating meat while continuing to consume it.

Compromise: Not making a visible change, like not eating meat in front of others but continuing to do so elsewhere.

Defiance: Boldly defying societal norms, such as openly consuming meat even when it is considered wrong by others.

These examples highlight the complex interplay between moral and societal consistency. However, the same situation can be approached with different ethical perspectives, reflecting the essence of Machiavellian thinking. This viewpoint advocates that the ends can justify the means, and one’s preferred outcomes can rationalize any means to achieve them. This form of moral relativism is common in various spheres, including politics, entertainment, and criminal behavior.

Long-Term vs Short-Term Gains

Another significant factor influencing decision-making is the balance between short-term and long-term gains. Often, people make decisions that provide immediate satisfaction at the expense of long-term consequences. This could explain why individuals continue to engage in habits that they know are detrimental, such as smoking, despite knowing the health risks.

The Splitting of the Conscious Mind

The human brain operates on multiple levels, and at times, the different parts of the brain can send conflicting signals. This phenomenon can be observed through experiments that separate the two hemispheres of the brain. While these experiments are not typically performed on individuals, they provide insights into how different parts of the brain can cause conflicting desires and actions.

A famous example is the case of a woman who insulted a friend and then slapped herself in the face. This demonstrates that different parts of the brain can have separate wills. Similarly, a man could button and unbutton his shirt simultaneously with the other hand. These experiments highlight the complexity of decision-making and the potential for conflicting desires within the brain.

This conflict can be observed in individuals who know what is best for them but struggle to implement the change, as seen in your brother-in-law. His brain was torn between two conflicting desires: one wanting to quit smoking and another refusing to do so. This internal battle often leads to procrastination or lack of action.

The Role of the Cerebral Cortex

The front part of the brain, particularly the cerebral cortex, plays a crucial role in making decisions. When functioning properly, it helps us weigh long-term consequences against short-term satisfactions. However, even with a properly functioning frontal lobe, people may still make bad decisions. This is often due to the human brain's tendency to prioritize immediate gratification over long-term benefits.

The brain processes information in a hierarchical manner, with the limbic system receiving sensory information first and sending emotions and automatic responses based on learned experiences. As individuals become more skilled in a task, the brain's need to consciously process every step diminishes, and the actions become more automatic.

However, conflicting signals can arise, especially when we lack expertise in a particular area. For example, when you are not an expert in a subject, different parts of the brain can send conflicting automatic responses, leading to indecisiveness or poor decisions.

Conclusion

The decision-making process is a complex interplay of psychological, neurological, and societal factors. Understanding these factors can help individuals make better decisions and avoid the pitfalls of short-term thinking and conflicting desires. By recognizing these influences, we can work towards aligning our actions with our long-term goals and values.

For more information on decision-making and cognitive processes, I recommend exploring the following topics:

Machiavellian Thinking: Explore the concept of ethical relativism in various contexts.

Cognitive Dissonance: Delve into the psychological stress that arises when holding two conflicting beliefs or attitudes.

Neuroscience and Decision Making: Investigate how the brain processes and makes decisions.

By continuing to explore and understand these topics, we can enhance our decision-making capabilities and lead more fulfilling lives.