Hostname: page-component-586b7cd67f-g8jcs Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-26T11:04:56.012Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Pragmatic prospection emphasizes utility of predicting rather than mere predictability

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 May 2017

Roy F. Baumeister
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL [email protected]@fsu.eduwww.roybaumeister.com
Cory J. Clark
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL [email protected]@fsu.eduwww.roybaumeister.com
JongHan Kim
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Coastal Carolina University, Conway, SC [email protected]

Abstract

Contrary to one assumption of CLASH, we suggest that colder rather than warm climates are the harsh, unpredictable ones, thus requiring greater self-control. We propose shifting emphasis from predictability to utility of prediction. Northern climates may be less predictable than tropical ones, making predictions and planning far more important, insofar as they can prevent fatalities and promote other pragmatic benefits.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2017 

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

Baumeister, R. F., Vohs, K. D. & Oettingen, G. (2016) Pragmatic prospection: How and why people think about the future. Review of General Psychology 20:316.Google Scholar
Becker, E. (1973) The denial of death. The Free Press.Google Scholar
James, W. (1890) The principles of psychology. Holt.Google Scholar
Pyszczynski, T., Greenberg, J. & Solomon, S. (1997) Why do we need what we need? A terror management perspective on the roots of human social motivation. Psychological Inquiry 8:120.Google Scholar