Episode 303: Measure This

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.