Friday Philosophies: Semmelweis Effect – Ignoring the Truth Hurts
Sep 22, 2023
auto_awesome
In this podcast, Michelle is joined by Katie Dalebout, the show's new podcast producer. They discuss the Semmelweis Effect, which explores our tendency to reject new evidence that contradicts established beliefs. They provide examples of this effect in medicine, global warming denial, and business strategies. They emphasize the importance of challenging established beliefs, being open to different perspectives, and questioning why we believe what we believe. They also discuss the impact of the Semmelweis Effect on decision-making and personal growth.
Challenge established beliefs to foster personal growth and uncover new opportunities.
Be open to different perspectives and evidence that contradict your current view.
Deep dives
Effects of Ignaz Semmelweis' Handwashing Discovery
Ignaz Semmelweis discovered the importance of handwashing to reduce mortality rates in hospitals. In the mid-1800s, Semmelweis found that when doctors washed their hands with a chlorine solution, the mortality rates of women giving birth decreased significantly. However, his fellow obstetricians initially rejected his findings and ridiculed his suggestions. It took 20 years before germ theory was discovered and handwashing became widely accepted. Semmelweis' story highlights the tendency to dismiss new ideas that contradict established beliefs, even when the evidence is compelling.
The Semmelweis Reflex in Personal and Business Decisions
The Semmelweis reflex is the tendency to reject new information or ideas that challenge our established beliefs, particularly if they are uncomfortable or inconvenient. This reflex often leads to denialism and a dismissal of objective evidence. It can be observed in various contexts, such as climate change denial, denial of systemic racism, and resistance to adopting new business strategies. To overcome the Semmelweis reflex, it is important to be open-minded, curious, and willing to examine our beliefs critically. By exploring new information and challenging our assumptions, we can make more informed decisions and embrace positive change.
The Power of Questioning Beliefs and Worldviews
An effective way to counter the Semmelweis reflex is by questioning our beliefs and worldviews. By articulating and understanding our own worldview, we can evaluate why we hold certain beliefs and whether they are truly ours or inherited from others. Being curious and genuinely open to new information and different perspectives helps us avoid falling into rigid thinking patterns. It is important to be optimistically critical, staying open to new evidence while maintaining a healthy level of skepticism. Examining cognitive distortions and engaging in introspection can also help us recognize and overcome the Semmelweis reflex.
Embracing Change and Experimentation in Decision-Making
To avoid the Semmelweis reflex, it is crucial to embrace change and be open to experimentation in decision-making. By being adaptable and willing to try new approaches, we can overcome the fear of uncomfortable truths or inconveniences. It is beneficial to maintain a growth mindset and actively seek out diverse sources of information and perspectives. Finding a balance between being confident in our existing knowledge and remaining open to new discoveries allows us to make more informed and innovative decisions. Embracing change and experimentation can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as a greater understanding of ourselves and the world.
Welcome to another episode of Friday Philosophies, this week Michelle is joined by the show’s new podcast producer, Katie Dalebout. In this episode, they delve into the intriguing concept known as the Semmelweis Effect. Named after Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, who faced disbelief and ridicule for his groundbreaking discovery, about hand-washing, this effect explores our human tendency to reject new evidence that contradicts established beliefs, especially when it's uncomfortable or challenges our long help believe.
We even get onto more historical anecdotes that relate to this effect, such as Abraham Lincoln's eerie encounter, as well as how the Semmelweis Effect has played out in various aspects of our lives. From medicine to global warming denial and even business strategies, we explore how this phenomenon impacts decision-making and personal growth.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace the discomfort of challenging your established beliefs; it can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Recognize the power of being open to different perspectives and evidence that may contradict your current view.
Avoid the extremes of unwavering belief or complete skepticism; strive for a balanced, flexible approach.
Be curious and question the why behind your beliefs, especially when cognitive distortions like black-and-white thinking come into play.
Be open to new information even when it flips how you were doing it before on its head and is more challenging or even annoying to begin with
This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thetwelfthhouse.substack.com/subscribe
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode