Ruth Chang: How to make hard choices

The video explores the concept of hard choices, emphasizing that they are not about ignorance but about the nature of alternatives. Hard choices occur when options are on a par, meaning neither is better overall. The speaker shares personal experiences and argues that hard choices allow individuals to create reasons and exercise agency, ultimately shaping their identities. Instead of fearing hard choices, they should be seen as opportunities for personal growth and self-definition.

What characterizes a hard choice according to the speaker?

• One option is clearly better than the other.

• The options are incomparable.

• Both options are equally good.

• Each option is better in different ways, with no clear superior.

What personal experience does the speaker share to illustrate misconceptions about hard choices?

• Choosing between two places to live.

• Deciding whether to have children.

• Choosing between a career in philosophy and law.

• Deciding whether to donate to charity.

According to the speaker, what is a common misconception about hard choices?

• They are always between equally good options.

• They are easy to make.

• They are always big decisions.

• They are always between equally bad options.

Why does the speaker argue that hard choices are not between equally good options?

• Because they are always equally bad.

• Because one option is always better.

• Because improving one option doesn't necessarily make it better than the other.

• Because they are incomparable.

What does the speaker mean by saying alternatives are 'on a par'?

• They are equally good.

• They are incomparable.

• They are equally bad.

• They are in the same league of value but different in kind.

How do hard choices allow individuals to exercise their normative power?

• By avoiding making a decision.

• By choosing the least risky option.

• By creating reasons for themselves and defining their identity.

• By relying on external reasons.

What does the speaker imply about a world with only easy choices?

• It would be more exciting.

• It would be full of opportunities.

• It would enslave us to reasons.

• It would be liberating.

What is the speaker's view on people who do not exercise their normative powers in hard choices?

• They are risk-takers.

• They are drifters.

• They are always correct.

• They are decisive.

What is the main lesson about hard choices according to the speaker?

• They are a curse.

• They are always between equally good options.

• They are opportunities to define who we are.

• They should be avoided.

What does the speaker suggest we should focus on when making hard choices?

• Relying on others' opinions.

• Looking for reasons within ourselves.

• Avoiding making a decision.

• Finding the best alternative.