What force controls probability?

[DeviousB]

Equally, though, it would be rational to visit a homeopath if it made you feel better. Or drop a couple of K on pyschic hotlines because you enjoy the calls.

In fact most personal enjoyments aren't rational (from Encarta, "governed by, or showing evidence of, clear and sensible thinking and judgment, based on reason rather than emotion or prejudice"); they are just enjoyable.

You do something you enjoy because you enjoy it. Even if it makes no sense whatsoever.

 

[nimzov]

Your "excitement and adrenalin" are based on a false premise - that you might win. The odds (zero for practical purposes) are such that it does not justify your "excitement and adrenaline". Your "excitement and adrenaline" are, therefore, irrational. BJ

I disagree.

Chances of winning "something" are not zero. Some people get excited for winning 50$.

nimzo

 

[BillyJoe]

It doesn't matter why you are excited, the fact that you are is enough reason to play. People jump off hundred foot cliffs. They enjoy it, but there is no rational reason for the enjoyment. However, the fact that they experience the enjoyment provides a rational reason for jumping, therefore jumping is rational.

I think it is irrational to define "rational" the way you have, because now you have to find another word to stand in place of what the rest of us define "rational" to be And that's a waste, because we already have a perfectly good word for that

In other words, I agree with DB.