Funny you mention that anecdote because I actually wrote it http://lesswrong.com/lw/1l/the_mystery_of_the_haunted_rationalist/w9
Human brains aren't very good at detaching themselves from their actions
Isn't that what rationality is supposed to reduce?
Isn't that what rationality is supposed to reduce?
No, rationality is about winning. Having certain values isn't irrational.
If you value your belief that's there are no ghost then it's irrational to be scared by ghosts.
The relationship of most of us to democracy is different. We generally do value it and think the rituals of democracy are valuable for our society.
If there's such a small chance of your vote making a difference in the election, you should be comfortable voting for trump.