
Behaviour in Uncertainty
And Its Social Implications
John Cohen(Author)
Routledge (Publisher)
1st Edition
Published on 30. June 2025
Book
Hardback
208 pages
978-1-041-06330-8 (ISBN)
Description
First published in 1964, Behaviour in Uncertainty begins with an analysis of the manner in which we weigh evidence or commit ourselves to a course of action. From here it is but a step of choices when life and limb are at stake, as in the behaviour of motorists and pedestrians on the road, or when suicide is contemplated, alone or with a loved one. In all these situations, as in acrobatics or on the playing field, there are elements of risk and hazard, and in all of them the individual may suffer from one of many diseases of decision making.
These variations on the theme of behaviour in uncertainty are traced by the author in experimental predicaments, in adventures of the imagination, in moments of crisis, and in the confrontation with death. All this jumps to life historically when viewed against the background of divinatory practices through the ages. These universal practices demonstrate man's never-ending efforts to conquer the uncertainties that desert him and, in particular, to wrest the secrets which the future has in store. This is an interesting read for students of psychology.
These variations on the theme of behaviour in uncertainty are traced by the author in experimental predicaments, in adventures of the imagination, in moments of crisis, and in the confrontation with death. All this jumps to life historically when viewed against the background of divinatory practices through the ages. These universal practices demonstrate man's never-ending efforts to conquer the uncertainties that desert him and, in particular, to wrest the secrets which the future has in store. This is an interesting read for students of psychology.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Postgraduate
Dimensions
Height: 234 mm
Width: 156 mm
Weight
540 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-041-06330-8 (9781041063308)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
06/2025
Routledge
€73.99
Available for download

E-Book
06/2025
Routledge
€73.99
Available for download
Content
1. Patterns of Uncertainty 2. Weighing the Evidence 3. Making a Choice 4. Gambling in a Lottery 5. Gambling with Life on the Road 6. Gambling with Life: Suicide, Attempts, Pacts 7. Risk Taking in Sport and the Hazards of Fantasy 8. Pathology of Decision-Making in Uncertainty 9. Possibility, Probability and Actuality Appendix Index