TED Talks Daily Why does uncertainty bother us so much? | Adam Kucharski
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May 28, 2025 
Mathematician Adam Kucharski dives into the intriguing science of uncertainty and why some concepts gain our trust while others lead to conspiracy theories. He examines how our need for explanations in complex situations influences our perception of technology and science. Kucharski discusses the balance between trusting automated systems versus understanding their functions, highlighting ethical dilemmas in today's tech-driven world. His insights call into question the impact of opaque algorithms on our societal beliefs and fears.
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Trust Beyond Full Understanding
- Technology often works even if we don't fully understand why it does.
- We trust complex systems like aerodynamics and defibrillation despite incomplete explanations.
Computer-Aided Proof Shift
- In 1976, mathematicians accepted a computer-aided proof they could not verify by hand.
- Younger mathematicians trusted the computer more than lengthy manual calculations.
Prioritizing Prediction Over Explanation
- Predictive accuracy may matter more than full explainability in complex domains like autonomous vehicles.
- Humans often tolerate unexplained events if overall safety improves.