The increasing complexity of technology requires a more nuanced and iterative understanding, avoiding oversimplification.
Both physics thinking and biological thinking are essential when approaching complex technological systems.
Managers should have a humble and deliberate approach to dealing with technological complexity, integrating both physics and biological thinking.
Deep dives
Summary of the Podcast Episode
The podcast episode discusses the increasing complexity of technology and its impact on our understanding of it. It explores the difference between physics thinking, which simplifies technology to basic principles, and biological thinking, which embraces the details and complexities. The episode emphasizes the need for a more humble and questioning approach towards technology, avoiding fear or blind awe. It suggests that we should strive to understand technology in a more nuanced and iterative manner, using simulations and glimpses into the underlying complexity. The episode also touches on the challenges faced by organizations in managing technological complexity and the importance of balancing physics and biological thinking when approaching technology.
The Book 'Over Complicated'
'Over Complicated' by Sam Abersman is introduced as a book that addresses the increasing complexity of technology and our relationship with it. The book explores the reasons behind the growing incomprehensibility of technologies and suggests approaches for meeting them halfway. It delves into the differences between physics thinking and biological thinking when understanding technology, highlighting the importance of recognizing the details and complexities rather than simplifying them. The book offers an optimistic perspective and encourages readers to approach technology with humility, understanding, and curiosity.
Technology and the Biological vs. Physics Thinking
The podcast episode discusses the difference between biological and physics thinking when approaching technology. Physics thinking simplifies technology to basic principles and abstractions, while biological thinking focuses on the details and complexities. It highlights the need to embrace both approaches when dealing with complex technological systems and recognizes the limitations of oversimplification. The episode suggests that a more nuanced and iterative understanding, along with glimpses into the underlying complexity, can provide a better perspective on technology and its implications.
Managing Technological Complexity in Organizations
The podcast episode touches on the challenges faced by organizations in managing technological complexity. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing the limits of understanding and having a humble approach. The episode suggests that managers should integrate both physics and biological thinking when dealing with complexity in their organizations. It encourages a careful and deliberate understanding of technological systems, respecting their interconnectedness and sensitivities to change. Additionally, the episode highlights the value of simulations and glimpses into the underlying complexity to gain better insights into technology and its implications.
Recommended Books
The podcast episode mentions a few recommended books related to technology and complexity. These include 'The Inevitable' by Kevin Kelly, which explores the future of technology, 'Algorithms to Live By' by Brian Christian and Tom Griffiths, which delves into the principles of decision-making algorithms, and 'The Age of Em' by Robin Hanson, which discusses work, love, and life in a future when robots play a major role. These books offer different perspectives on technology and its impact on various aspects of life.
Samuel Arbesman is a complexity scientist focusing on the changing nature of science and technology. We discuss learning, reading, and how to optimize both to get the best outcome.
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