Irrationality [Hardcover]

Stuart Sutherland (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 1994

Why do doctors, generals, civil servants and others consistently make wrong decisions that cause enormous harm to others? Why do we sit through a boring play just because the tickets were expensive? Sutherland's witty dissection of muddled thinking explains irrationality in an entertaining way, offering a valuable guide to straight thinking.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Sutherland believes decisions made by professionals are not really more rational than those made by others. While detailing this argument, he expatiates upon garden-variety irrational behavior, including social and emotional biases, jumping to conclusions, and not taking account of all cases. He concludes that fully rational behavior is not always possible and indeed may not even be the most desirable course. Sutherland (psychology, Univ. of Sussex; International Dictionary of Psychology, LJ 6/1/89) includes some suggestions for thought and action at the end of the chapters, but this is not a how-to book and may not be readily accessible to the lay reader. The dry prose, many British spellings, and occasional British terminology may turn off casual readers. Of most interest to psychology professors and graduate students, who will appreciate the extensive bibliography. Recommended for large academic psychology collections.
Scott Johnson, Meridian Community Coll. Lib., Miss.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 357 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813521505
• ISBN-13: 978-0813521503
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #852,075 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am surprised this book it out of print...bring it back., June 20, 2000

By 

Jerry in Japan (Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima Japan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Irrationality (Hardcover)

Sutherland's book became a constant companion for me the week it arrived. I began reading it at work during lunch, and found myself quickly drawn into...better said, hopelessly slipping into a vigorous head nod and agreeing with this author's purpose and insights. He clearly says his purpose is to demonstrate that people are very much less rational than is commonly thought of and to set out systemmatically the many reasons this is so. Nobody is exempt (p. 3) The convincing magnetism for me was the undeniable brute reality of the arguments, which I could easily spot as I went through my work day with my colleagues. The chapters on obedience, conformity, and in and out groups directly helped me appreciate more the struggles that I see my Japanese colleagues and students have, as well as internationals living and working in Japan experience. His book helped me accept and avoid some conflicts with some "leaders" by providing me with the poignant irrational category. Otherwise I would have used a different language set to describe their "irrationality". I enjoyed this book through and through. He covers all of the bases...and I do mean all from historical, medical, military, education, finances, with great studies and nicely illustrated stories. The transitions from chapter to chapter, and the pithy summaries at the end of each chapter makes the reading flow. It is a book that definitely provided some great coffee break material at work as well a lot of laughs at home. Still the benefits are to be seen in my personal reflection and application to my own thinking. This report suffers from the halo effect Sutherland describes. His one chapter at the end on the "Causes, Cures and Costs" did leave me wanting more as I felt the curtain was drawn too quickly. But I was not negative because I felt I had got my monies worth from many of the preceding chapters. This is the first book I have read by Sutherland. He is a great writer and I am looking forward to getting into some of his other works. His book is not a formal treatise in logic that one would get from an expert like Copi, or Kahneman. Indeed some research indicates that even with formal training, there is little improvement in our reasoning skills. Nevertheless, Sutherland provides us with a conscious raising book that is sufficient to keep us all humble and honest. Thank you Dr. Sutherland for the tips of how I can make my world a the work world I live in a bit more tolerable with a smile. I hope the book is in line for a second edition.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars absolutely marvellous, you even laugh out loud at yourself, January 31, 1998

By 

florkow (Vienna, Austria) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Irrationality (Hardcover)

Absolutely excellent.

This book takes our own way of thinking and shows us where we make mistakes while thinking we are being perfectly rational.

Wonderful examples, easy reading style - you don't notice how much you learn while being entertained - and he really makes you laugh at your own mistakes - that's not easy, at least for me, I tend to get annoyed when I'm wrong and some very wise person shows up and tells me about it - while he does it in such a funny way, I really don't mind.

A wonderful book, I reread it again and again.

It is scary, though, to think of all the foolish decisions being taken every day in the name of "rational decisionmaking" - this book ought to be mandatory reading for everyone who makes decisions - so really, for everyone.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars In This Modern World..., December 11, 1999

By 

Cynthia S. Ryan "ladybird53" (Reno, NV) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Irrationality (Hardcover)

We seem to be surrounded by bad decision making on all levels...from 'road rage' on our highways, to the city council, from the school board to the boardrooms of America. When your fellow man's 'logic' seems to defy reason, turn to Stuart Sutherland for solice, explanation, better decision making strategies...and good hearty laughter. You'll see yourself, your family, friends and co-workers brilliantly described...for better or worse. Best of all, the author gives really rather simple ways to improve our thinking on a daily basis, and helps to understand others who aren't thinking clearly.