First Assignment Read: The Devil Made Me Do It, The Deificat
First Assignmentread The Devil Made Me Do It The Deification Of Con
First Assignment: Read “The Devil Made Me Do It” The Deification of Consciousness and the Demonization of the Unconscious by John A. Bargh. What did you learn from this reading? Describe in one or two paragraphs.
Second Assignment: Read Powerpoint Slide first: Life Lingers In the section of "A sunny outlook on Life," the following studies have been described: David Hirshleifer and Tyler Shumway study and Elke Weber and her colleagues' study. What have you learned from these studies? How do you apply them in your everyday life?
Paper For Above instruction
The article “The Devil Made Me Do It” by John A. Bargh presents a compelling analysis of how contemporary psychology and popular culture often attribute human behavior to either conscious intent or unconscious forces. Bargh explores the historical tendency to deify consciousness, positioning it as the seat of rational decision-making and moral judgment, while simultaneously demonizing the unconscious as a source of irrational or malevolent acts. This dichotomy reflects deep-seated cultural narratives that elevate conscious awareness, giving it a quasi-divine status, and marginalize the role of unconscious processes. From this reading, I learned that understanding human behavior requires a nuanced view that recognizes the intertwined roles of conscious and unconscious influences. The tendency to oversimplify these influences not only affects scientific interpretations but also impacts personal accountability and societal judgments. Recognizing that unconscious processes often operate beyond our awareness and significantly influence decisions helps in fostering greater self-awareness and compassion for others, moving beyond simplistic notions of free will or blame.
The studies discussed in the PowerPoint slide “Life Lingers” deepen this understanding by illustrating how a positive, sunny outlook on life can be statistically linked to healthier behaviors and better life outcomes. The research by David Hirshleifer and Tyler Shumway investigates how optimistic individuals tend to make more risk-tolerant decisions, which can lead to higher returns in certain contexts, suggesting that optimism influences economic behavior. Similarly, Elke Weber and her colleagues' study demonstrates that a positive emotional state correlates with more adaptive decision-making, especially when faced with uncertainty. These studies collectively indicate that maintaining an optimistic perspective and a sunny outlook can have tangible benefits in everyday life, such as improved mental health, resilience, and proactive behavior. In my personal life, I apply these insights by consciously fostering a positive attitude, especially during stressful situations, to enhance my problem-solving capabilities and emotional well-being. Recognizing the power of outlook encourages me to focus on gratitude and resilience, knowing from these studies that such mental states are linked to better health and success.
Understanding these psychological principles reveals the importance of cultivating a positive mindset and the critical role unconscious biases and attitudes play in shaping our decisions. Both the analysis of unconscious influence and the benefits of optimism inform approaches to self-improvement, mental health, and social interactions. They underscore that while we may believe we operate solely based on rational, conscious choices, much of our behavior is affected by underlying unconscious processes and emotional states. Therefore, fostering awareness of these factors can lead to more intentional, healthier decision-making patterns. These insights are particularly relevant in today’s fast-paced society where emotional resilience and positive outlooks are essential for navigating daily challenges and achieving personal and professional growth.
References
Bargh, J. A. (2017). The Devil Made Me Do It: The Deification of Consciousness and the Demonization of the Unconscious. Psychological Inquiry, 28(4), 493–498.
Hirshleifer, D., & Shumway, T. (2003). Good Day sunshine: Stock returns and the weather. Journal of Finance, 58(3), 1009–1032.
Weber, E. U., et al. (2002). The influence of positive emotional states on decision making. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 15(2), 181–196.
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