#6010
Mentioned in 5 episodes

Innumeracy

Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences
Book • 1988
In 'Innumeracy: Mathematical Illiteracy and Its Consequences,' John Allen Paulos argues that the widespread inability to deal rationally with large numbers and probabilities leads to misinformed decisions, confused policies, and an increased susceptibility to pseudoscience.

The book uses quirky anecdotes and real-world examples from areas such as stock scams, sports statistics, elections, and medical claims to illustrate the harmful effects of innumeracy.

Paulos encourages readers to adopt a more quantitative approach to understanding the world around them.

Mentioned by

Mentioned in 5 episodes

Mentioned by
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Doug Hubbard
when discussing cultural differences in attitudes towards quantitative methods.
217 snips
Measuring everything that matters (with Doug Hubbard)
Mentioned by
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Tim Harford
when telling a story about someone who notices a weather forecaster's mistake.
35 snips
Number Fever: How Pepsi Nearly Went Pop (Classic)
Mentioned by
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Sean M. Carroll
as one of the author's previous books.
216 | John Allen Paulos on Numbers, Narratives, and Numeracy
Mentioned by Balaji Srinivasan as an influential book from his youth, highlighting the importance of numeracy in the modern world.
#259 — The Reckoning to Come
Mentioned by
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Tim Harford
as the author of the book "Innumeracy", illustrating how people's lack of mathematical understanding can be exploited.
Number Fever: How Pepsi Nearly Went Pop

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