Predictably Irrational

Resumen del libro

Why do smart people make irrational decisions every day? The answers will surprise you. Predictably Irrational is an intriguing, witty and utterly original look at why we all make illogical decisions. Why can a 50p aspirin do what a 5p aspirin can't? If an item is "free" it must be a bargain, right? Why is everything relative, even when it shouldn't be? How do our expectations influence our actual opinions and decisions? In this astounding book, behavioural economist Dan Ariely cuts to the heart of our strange behaviour, demonstrating how irrationality often supplants rational thought and that the reason for this is embedded in the very structure of our minds.

Predicatably Irrational brilliantly blends everyday experiences with a series of illuminating and often surprising experiments, that will change your understanding of human behaviour. And, by recognising these patterns, Ariely shows that we can make better decisions in business, in matters of collective welfare, and in our everyday lives from drinking coffee to losing weight, buying a car to choosing a romantic partner.

Biografía del autor

Daniel Ariely Nació en Nueva York en 1968. De nacionalidad israelí fue soldado y tuvo que abandonar a causa de un accidente que le causó graves quemaduras. Estudió Física y Matemáticas en la Universidad de Tel" Aviv, y posteriormente Filosofía. Viajó a Estados Unidos obteniendo un master en Psicología Cognitiva en la Universidad de Carolina del Norte, doctorándose en Negocios en la Universidad de Duke, en la que posteriormente ha sido profesor de Economía de Conducta. Es jefe del grupo de investigación eRationality en el Media Lab del Instituto Tecnológico de Massachussets. Publica en numerosas revistas académicas y en periódicos tales comoThe New York Times,Wall st. Journal,The New YorkeryScientific American, e interviene en programas de radio y televisión en Nacional Public Radio, CNN y CNBC.