Anders Chelgren, Chapter 5, Question # 5

Chapter five discusses the importance of information. Throughout the chapter we learn of the logical yet often misunderstood conclusions made by rational people as a result of limited information. Starting with the Hope scholarship example, we are soon taught that "what we don't know can hurt us." Because life is a string of decisions, information that influences those decisions is very important. With the example of "discriminating" against women in careers, we see that employers are often working logically. Without the information relating to her maternity plans, they profile due to statistically evidence that woman will likely at some point become a mother thus requiring leave and risk not returning. The same thing is true, and just as controversial, with young black males, statistically speaking theses men are seven times more likely to have convicted of a crime. On the hiring persons perspective, there is no racism being implement only logic and deductive reasoning used by the limited information that is accessible. People fall on all sides of the arguments outlines above, some claim profiling is wrong, while others claim it is instinctual and often necessary. I appreciated the example given at the conclusion on the chapter about being approached from the rear in a parking garage. It is in ones best interest and in many cases instinctual to profile the person approaching. By calculating observations such as gender, clothing, race, physical appearance it can more accurately be concluded the persons intentions. While some argue profiling can be morally wrong, it is implemented constantly, often subconsciously, as we make decisions. Because information will always be limited, we must sometimes act according to judgements rooted in statistically fact.