title: The problem of choice.
abstract: Convictions are a driving force for actions. Considering that every individual has a different set of convictions and larger groups act once a consensus decision is reached, one can see that debate is an inherent exercise in decision-making. This requires a sustainably generated surplus to allow time for intellectual exchange, gathering of information and dissemination of findings. It is essential that the full spectrum of options remain treated equally. At the end of this process, a choice has to be made. Looking back at a later time point, a retrospective analysis sometimes reveals that the choice was neither completely free nor a truly conscious one. Leaving the issue of consequences of a once made decision aside, we wish to contribute to the debate of the problem of choice.
authors.affiliation: The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. naqvih@ccf.org
authors.forename: Hassan R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Naqvi
authors.forename: Shawn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Mathur
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Covarrubias
authors.forename: Josephine A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Curcio
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D002755:Choice Behavior; D006801:Humans; D012106:Research