Hidden Brain How Much Do We Really Know?
May 19, 2025
Phil Fernbach, a cognitive scientist at the Leeds School of Business, dives into the 'illusion of knowledge'. He discusses how we often overestimate our understanding of simple things, like toilet mechanisms, and explores the dangers of overconfidence in areas like science and finance. Fernbach emphasizes the need for self-reflection and understanding the complexities behind our assumptions. He also touches on the role of curiosity and compassion in navigating political perspectives and fostering open-mindedness.
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The Deadly Slotin Experiment
- Louis Slotin, an experienced physicist, accidentally caused a deadly radiation burst using a screwdriver in a nuclear experiment.
- Despite his expertise, a simple tool slip caused fatal consequences, highlighting human error in high-stakes environments.
Air France 447 Pilot Error
- Air France Flight 447 crashed because the pilot raised the nose during a stall, contrary to protocol.
- Pilots' overreliance on automation reduces their readiness for critical manual interventions.
Complexity Caused 2008 Crash
- The 2008 financial crash stemmed from misunderstanding complex derivatives and their hidden risks.
- Both experts and managers trusted flawed models, leading to widespread systemic collapse.
