In recognition of the 100th anniversary of the University of Nevada, Reno Departments of Economics and Sociology, behavioral economist Dan Ariely will visit the University on Aug. 31 to present “Predictably Irrational,” a discussion based on his New York Times bestselling book, Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions.

Ariely studies how people actually act in the marketplace, as opposed to how they should or would perform if they were completely rational. He will discuss how the principles of behavioral economics can help us understand some of our irrational tendencies. Specifically, he will explain the mechanisms at work behind dishonest behavior and why we are still able to think of ourselves as honest even when we act dishonestly.

Ariely is the James B. Duke Professor of Psychology and Behavioral Economics at Duke University, where he holds appointments at the Fuqua School of Business, the Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, the School of Medicine and the Department of Economics.

For more information, contact Mark Pingle, economics professor, (775) 784-6634 or pingle@unr.edu.

WHAT: Presentation, “Predictably Irrational,” in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the University of Nevada, Reno Departments of Economics and Sociology

WHO: Behavioral economist Dan Ariely, author of The New York Times bestseller Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions and The Upside of Irrationality: The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home

WHEN: 10 – 11 a.m., Aug. 31

WHERE: University of Nevada, Reno Joe Crowley Student Union Theatre, Third Floor