Unconsious Thought and Non Verbal Communication
Philosophy, Politics, Psychology September 2nd, 2008I thought I’d better mention I have a professional interest in non-verbal communication. (and even more importantly, a non-professional interest!) Non verbal communication usually occurs outside of conscious control. Expect more on this subject.
This is in line with my philosophic thinking, fore shadowed by FN (again) when he said of Luther and his translation of the Bible:
He gave the sacred books into the hands of everyone, -they thereby got at last into the hands of the philologists, that is to say, the annihilators of every belief based upon books. The Gay Science, 358
So back to current affairs, I was reading news of an interesting study on voting patterns shifts depending on the building where the vote was cast.
[...] in the case of polling locations, seeing lockers, desks and other things associated with schools might activate norms (such as the urge to take care of children) or identities (that is, being a parent) that then shift people to vote to support school funding.
[...]
Policy makers should definitely pay more attention to where people vote and, if possible, be more careful in the types of places selected. Choosing polling places is already a tough task, though—they need to be centrally located, handicap accessible, et cetera, so we are not arguing to eliminate churches and schools altogether. Rather, if such places are used, there are ways to minimize their potential influence. Jonah Berger
Interesting stuff. “Free will” indeed. I expect banks to be used if the government is attempting to make the economy a deciding issue!
Anti Citizen One
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:05 pm
“Rather, if such places are used, there are ways to minimize their potential influence”
Considering the influence to be subliminal and unconscious I think I would much rather prefer to not “know” I am being influenced in such ways – but instead the arbitors of “Truth” and all that is good wish to corrall me into a politically neutral venue that may less effect my voting habits…
*warning short rant* How dare they presume I wish to have all subliminal signifiers eliminated or diminished – who are these goons attempting to control my thoughts?
rant over
Interesting post otherwise – important caveat (having read the article in full) I accept the possiblity that subliminal influences may play a role in our decision making. I reject the idea that we can wholly eliminate such underlying signifiers.