Picoeconomics
The Strategic Interaction of Successive Motivational States within the Person

Dr. Ainslie examines an elementary human paradox: that we are endangered by our own wishes.

George Ainslie (Author)

9780521158701, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 25 November 2010

460 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.6 cm, 0.58 kg

Originally published in 1992, this book examines an elementary human paradox: that we are endangered by our own wishes; or, as Oscar Wilde put it, 'When the gods want to punish us they answer our prayers.' Even though this observation is ancient and confirmed by wide experience, none of the disciplines that deal with decision making explain it adequately. Dr. Ainslie uses findings from behavioral experiments to show that there is a basic tendency for humans to form temporary preferences for the poorer but earlier of two goals, when the poorer goal is closer at hand. The implications provide a rationale for puzzling behavior, from Frued's defense mechanism to the force of willpower, as well as conspicuous failures of willpower in addictions and other psychiatric disorders. This approach also sheds light on subjects that have been controversial in moral philosophy: weakness of will, self-deception, freedom, and responsibility.

Preface
1. The paradox of addiction
2. In search of the two minds
3. Temporary-preference theory
4. The interaction of interests: the effects of short-range interests
5. The interaction of interests
6. Freedom and compulsion
7. Self-generated reward as the basic impulse-control problem
8. The demon at the calliope
9. The texture of experience
Appendices
Bibliography
Indices.

Subject Areas: Psychology [JM]