Breaking beliefism Adam Kucharski
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Jun 27, 2025 
Adam Kucharski, a mathematician and epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, explores the intersection of data, belief, and public health. He discusses how understanding gambling strategies can illuminate mathematical thinking. The conversation delves into how attachment styles influence health decisions and the role of AI in improving decision-making. Kucharski also examines how social networks shape beliefs and the importance of diverse perspectives in understanding epidemics, wrapping up with a fun discussion on music preferences.
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Poker Sparked Math Passion
- Adam Kucharski grew up learning probability and risk through playing poker with his grandmother.
- This early exposure sparked his interest in maths and problem solving tied to everyday games and decisions.
Proof and Persuasion Diverge
- People often accept explanations that make immediate sense to them but struggle to convince others with the same evidence.
- Convincing others requires understanding how their perspectives and proofs differ from your own.
Why Proof Convincing Varies
- People accept proof differently based on their learning style and familiarity with concepts.
- Trust hinges on perceived usefulness, consequences, and how evidence fits personal experience.
