No Way Out Entropy to OODA Loop: Neuroscience of Safety Systems
11 snips
Jul 9, 2025 In this engaging conversation, Professor David Slater, an expert in neuroscience and safety, connects the dots between human behavior and organizational resilience. He compares the precision of Formula 1 pit crews to the adaptability required in safety protocols, revealing how humans often modify systems in practice. Slater challenges traditional views on 'human error,' stressing that perception plays a crucial role in decision-making. He also discusses how thermodynamics and entropy can enhance understanding of organizational safety, advocating for a science-based approach to complex systems.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
F1 Pit Crews Cut Corners
- Formula 1 pit crews achieve sub-two-second pit stops by cutting corners and adapting on the fly.
- This real-world adaptation contrasts with strict choreography and is the essence of safety in complex systems.
Entropy and Quasi-Equilibrium
- Life and safety depend on maintaining quasi-equilibrium states amid increasing entropy.
- The human brain manages this by predicting and adapting to complex, emergent environmental changes.
Safety as Stability Through Change
- Safety should be viewed through homeostasis and allostasis, emphasizing stability through change.
- Control systems set parameters that humans learn via social and family experience to maintain safety.