Definitionv1

Sunk cost trap: a cognitive bias where past investments

Sunk cost trap: a cognitive bias where past investments (time, money, effort, emotion) that cannot be recovered influence current decisions to continue commitments, despite those investments being irrelevant to future outcomes

Why This Is a Definition

This definition precisely establishes the semantic boundary of 'sunk cost trap' by identifying it as a cognitive bias where irrecoverable past investments influence current decisions, distinguishing it from rational decision-making where past investments should not factor into future choices. It names the term, states its genus (cognitive bias), and its differentia (influence of irrecoverable investments on current decisions).

Source Lessons

L-0671

The sunk cost trap in commitments

Past investment does not justify continuing a commitment that no longer serves you.

Connections

Defines (40)

AxiomHabits as Context-Response Associations AxiomPatterns Exist in Hierarchical Logical Levels AxiomEmotion as Systematic Cognitive Modulator AxiomMental States Are Cognitively Imputable AxiomCognitive and Affective Empathy Are Distinct AxiomLooping Effects of Human Classification AxiomDunbar's Number Limits Stable Relationships AxiomConstrual Level Effects on Perception AxiomPeople interpret failure as either evidence about their AxiomBehavior follows the path of least resistance due to the PrincipleCreate a ready-to-resume plan before any task switch by PrincipleApply the same tags to notes from different domains when PrincipleExpect and plan for an implementation dip where performance PrincipleWhen designing cognitive agents, examine the full pattern PrincipleMake context switching costs visible through deliberate PrincipleRetire cognitive agents based on current value production PrincipleBuild self-efficacy for independent judgment through PrincipleUse the 'five whys' technique on any significant energy PrincipleWhen overcommitment recurs, diagnose the pattern driver PrincipleSelect tools based on how well they integrate with your PrincipleFor complex cognitive tasks that resist starting, design PrincipleConduct functional analysis before attempting extinction by PrincipleImplement automatic savings and investment transfers before PrincipleTrack positive signal patterns across time to identify PrincipleAct on courageous decisions while fear's activation energy PrincipleWhen holding more power in a relationship (formal authority,PrincipleIdentify your internal working models by tracking emotional PrincipleExternalize major life decisions and career narratives to PrincipleWhen encountering resistance to existential practice,PrincipleUse your suffering to help others as one source of meaning PrincipleBuild an avoidance inventory that tracks when you step away PrincipleUse satisficing decision rules (define 'good enough'PrincipleUse cognitive reappraisal (reinterpreting the meaning of an PrincipleAggregate predictions by confidence level and compare stated PrincipleFrame goals at the identity level ('become a person who X')PrincipleDesign physical and digital workspaces to afford only the PrincipleTest each candidate classification dimension by asking PrincipleDesign every information artifact with explicit compression PrincipleMeasure the quality of any personal development practice by PrincipleSpecify every delegation with five components: concrete

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