We make irrational decisions and simple mistakes every day. What's more, knowing that we do doesn't stop us from making them again. Why? Because that's just how we are and we'd best get used to it, argues Dan Ariely in Predictably Irrational. In this exclusive extract, he explains the cost of free goods
Two of the defendants in the Pirate Bay trial (#spectrial if you're following it on Twitter) gave evidence today in the case in a Swedish court. They said they don't read contracts they sign, don't check the speeches they write, and the law - well, what's the use of that?
Darwin was born 200 years ago, and 50 years later unveiled his theory of natural selection. To mark these anniversaries we bring you the definitive guide to the naturalist's great book, with extracts from key chapters and essays from leading scientists and thinkers including Richard Dawkins and former Bishop of Oxford Richard Harries
ID cards and detention without trial get plenty of coverage – but many other recent laws have ramifications for individual freedom. As the Convention on Modern Liberty approaches, Comment is free contributors look at how they could affect everyone – from infants to football fans, NHS patients and anti-Heathrow protesters