How we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' Festival

How we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' Festival

All In The Mind

In the uncertain times we live in, how exactly are we meant to make up our minds? How do we weigh up pros, cons and risk factors, and how do stress and fear bear on our capacity for critical thinking? And how often are we even aware of the decisions we’re making? On All in the Mind this week, a special panel discussion recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

Thought-provokingInformativeEmpoweringHopefulEngaging

29:0611 Jun 2022

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Decisions, Decisions: Unpacking How We Make Choices

As horrible and biased and weak as we are as humanity, when we choose to push ourselves back out there, we often find that we're stronger than we think we are, and sometimes the thing that holds us back is being stuck in our heads.

Ever wondered why you make the choices you do? This episode of 'All In The Mind' brings you a special panel discussion from the Sydney Writers' Festival, diving into the nitty-gritty of decision-making. Hosted by Lynne Malcolm, the conversation features cognitive neuroscience professor Merrin Irish, New York Times Australia bureau chief Damian Cave, and other experts who explore how our minds weigh pros and cons in uncertain times.

They tackle big questions like how stress and fear impact our critical thinking and whether we're even aware of the decisions we make daily. Damian Cave shares a thought-provoking insight: 'As horrible and biased and weak as we are as humanity, when we choose to push ourselves back out there, we often find that we're stronger than we think we are, and sometimes the thing that holds us back is being stuck in our heads'.

If you've ever been curious about what goes on in your brain when you're deciding between options, this episode is for you. The panel delves into how biases shape our choices, the role of fear and risk, and the influence of social media. They also discuss how changing our environments can lead to better decision-making. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of your own mind and the hidden factors that drive your choices.

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