Complexity Science and Decision-Making

Rory Sutherland discusses his interest in complexity science and how the use of efficiency as a proxy for effectiveness can lead to damaging decision-making. He highlights the idea of turning complex problems into puzzles by oversimplifying or ignoring certain aspects. Sutherland emphasizes the importance of considering human perception, behavior, and nonlinearity when making decisions, particularly in fields like transport. He criticizes the assumption of linear relationships and the optimization for the average, arguing that it ignores diversity and the potential for multiple good ideas. Sutherland also mentions the work of Ian McGillchrist, who emphasizes the complementary nature of the human brain hemispheres and the need to balance reductionism with the complexity of the whole.