This book recognises that we don't understand who we are or why we do what we do. This is because our models of human behaviour, based on a naïve view of rationality, are flawed. Recognising the limitations of rationality, we still need to fill the vacuum with better explanations for self-destructive behaviour in individuals and groups, from overeating to addiction to fighting wars in far-off places for unclear reasons and with unclear plans. By lifting the veil on human irrationality, Andy Hira's analysis can help us to understand and challenge ourselves and society to solve persistent problems, from world hunger to climate change. The fact that we already know how to solve these and a myriad of other social problems, yet never do so, reveals the need for a fresh perspective.
Andy Hira is a Professor of Political Science at Simon Fraser University. He holds a Bachelor's degree from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University, and a Master's degree in International Relations from George Washington University. He completed a Ph.D. in Political Science from Claremont Graduate University in 1997. His work has examined economic competitiveness strategies for a variety of nations, regions, and industries; energy policies; and innovation policies. In studying what creates success, Hira began to develop unconventional theories about human behaviour. A more recent, much abbreviated version of the financial crisis chapter of this book was published in the Review of European Economic Policy. He lives in Burnaby, Canada.