Final answer:
A deviation between the current and desired situation is called a problem. The concept is linked to decision-making and utility maximization, where individuals like José aim for the greatest level of satisfaction. Cognitive dissonance disrupts consistency and an individual's desire for utility, influencing choices to reach a preferred state.
Step-by-step explanation:
A deviation between the current and the desired situation is called a problem. This concept is relevant to situations where an individual experiences a discrepancy between what they have and what they want, often prompting a decision-making process to resolve the issue. In economics and rational choice theory, an individual like José aims to maximize utility, which measures a person's level of satisfaction or happiness with their choices. Cognitive dissonance is related to this concept because it causes discomfort when there's an inconsistency between one's beliefs and actions, usually prompting a change to restore consistency.
Moreover, in economic decision-making, rational individuals weigh the perceived benefits against the perceived costs. When the value of the perceived benefits exceeds the perceived costs, they will choose that action. This aligns with the principle of maximizing utility, where an individual, like José, selects options that provide the greatest utility, reflecting the highest level of satisfaction.