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Far Idealism Hypocrisy

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This is a blog on why we believe and do what we do, why we pretend otherwise, how we might do better, and what our descendants might do, if they don't all die.
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Far Idealism Hypocrisy

Robin Hanson
Jan 27, 2012
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Far Idealism Hypocrisy

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Not everything fits this story, but an awful lot does: we are more idealistic in far mode, which helps us hypocritically hold others to higher standards than we hold ourselves:

In 6 studies, we found that advice is more idealistic than choice in decisions that trade off idealistic and pragmatic considerations. We propose that because advisers are more psychologically distant from the choosers’ decision problem, they construe the dilemma at a higher construal level than do choosers. … Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate that compared with choosers, advisers weigh idealistic considerations more heavily and pragmatic considerations less heavily, place greater emphasis on ends (why) than on means to achieve the end (how), and generate more reasons (pros) in favor of acting idealistically. Studies 3 and 4 … [show] that making advisers focus on a lower construal level results in more pragmatic recommendations. … Finally, in Studies 5 and 6, we demonstrate the choice–advice difference in consequential real-life decisions. (more)

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Far Idealism Hypocrisy

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Far Idealism Hypocrisy

www.overcomingbias.com
Overcoming Bias Commenter
May 15

Is this far-mode? Seems like telling the truth (ie. you're obese) signals rudeness or discomfort to your friend, and thus for example we find it much more useful for our own goals to tell idealistic things (ie. excercise is great). Privately we know the truth. In politics however people might really have wrong beliefs without realizing it on any level.

In any case, its just moral hazard.

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Overcoming Bias Commenter
May 15

Excellent, thank you :)

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