The Score with C. Thi Nguyen

In this book, James C. Scott examines the failures of centrally managed social plans and the destructive consequences of high-modernist ideologies. Scott argues that states often impose simplistic visions on complex societies, ignoring local, practical knowledge and leading to disastrous outcomes. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society, high-modernist ideology, authoritarian state power, and a prostrate civil society. The book critiques various utopian projects, including collective farms, compulsory villagization, and urban planning, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that respects local diversity and practical knowledge.

No information available for this title. David K. Randall is known for his non-fiction works on topics such as sleep and historical events.

Theodore Porter's "Trust in Numbers" is a historical analysis exploring the rise of quantification and its impact across various fields. The book examines how numerical data became a dominant force in shaping decisions and understanding in areas like education, medicine, and social policy. Porter delves into the social and political factors that contributed to this shift, highlighting the complexities and potential pitfalls of relying solely on numbers. He also explores how different professions and fields have responded to the increasing influence of quantification, some resisting its encroachment while others readily embrace it. The book offers valuable insights into the power dynamics and consequences of numerical dominance in decision-making processes.