Better AI Through Social Science

In this book, Daniel Kahneman takes readers on a tour of the mind, explaining how the two systems of thought shape our judgments and decisions. System 1 is fast, automatic, and emotional, while System 2 is slower, effortful, and logical. Kahneman discusses the impact of cognitive biases, the difficulties of predicting future happiness, and the effects of overconfidence on corporate strategies. He offers practical insights into how to guard against mental glitches and how to benefit from slow thinking in both personal and business life. The book also explores the distinction between the 'experiencing self' and the 'remembering self' and their roles in our perception of happiness.

Patrick T. Reardon's "The Loop" delves into the history of Chicago's elevated train tracks, exploring their impact on the city's development, economy, and identity. The book combines urban history, biography, engineering, architecture, transportation, culture, and politics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Loop's significance. Reardon reveals how the Loop shaped Chicago's downtown, unified the city, and protected it from the effects of suburbanization. He also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of key figures like Charles Yerkes and John Alexander Low Waddell. The book offers new insights into the factors that have contributed to Chicago's unique urban character.