RE: Changing the narrative – how to talk about climate change
Ego <3, how wonderful to see a post from you. And what an excellent integration of the works of these scholars you've presented us with here!
I smiled while reading the beginning of your post, specifically when you talked about the believe that people were always able to make rational decisions when it comes to the economic world.
Only this afternoon I came across a study that looks into how rather than governed by rational deliberation, the act of purchasing something is rather guided by emotions. Upon having to make a decision on whether to purchase an item or not, the brain areas which are activated are the ones associated with feelings (nucleus accumbens - pleasure, and the insula - pain), rather than parts that are mainly linked to rationality. Basically, the decision in the end results from a contest of conflicting feelings ref. Ha! And I thought I was a homo economicus :P
I like the question you raise here: why resort to fear instead of providing people with more options? I suppose that, as Thaler and Sustain argue, putting people in the position to choose is not always wise, and remaining neutral is not always possible! In the end it comes down to governments and institutions being able to provide populations with effective, honest choice architecture and nudge them towards the right direction. Especially when it comes to education and the environment. In a model that still retains freedom of choice.
Much love to you Ego,
It's so nice to see you writing for your Steemit blog once again :*
I suppose that, as Thaler and Sustain argue, putting people in the position to choose is not always wise, and remaining neutral is not always possible!Yeah, I thought about that as well. But this mainly refers to situations with too many options to choose from and no idea about which might be the beneficial one. I tend to think that many public officials don't even know about it - but I somehow doubt that, especially in the US. Sunstein was even working with the Obama administration a couple of years ago, so there should be at least some kind of awareness.
Thank you for your reply Ego. It's very nice to have you around Steemit. It means more quality content among us :)
I didn't know Sustein worked with the Obama administration. I knew he was doing some advising work for the British government a while back. It puzzles me how these governments have people like that working for/with them and their policies and approaches, in the end, don't seem to reflect much of their work.
Well, to be fair, I am saying this based on just my very narrow perspective. What I gather from the media, really.
I do hope you find the time to write more for your Steemit blog in the future Ego :*
Much love to you always!