Pragmatic and Epistemic Actions: Changing the World To Change How We Think

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There are two types of interactions: pragmatic action, where the purpose is to change the world, and epistemic action, where the purpose is to make mental computation easier. Epistemic actions involve changing the world to change one's understanding of it. This concept applies to various scenarios, such as playing chess, where moving pieces physically helps with strategic thinking. Epistemic actions are common and can be viewed as a partnership between the mind and the environment.

Authors Stephen P. Anderson and Karl Fast discuss the complex world of information (think incomprehensible tax policies to confusing medical explanations) we are faced with, and the ways in which information can be transformed into better presentations, better meetings, better software, and better decisions. Stephen also shares a personal anecdote about part of the inspiration for the book. Get your copy: https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/figure-it-out/ Mentioned in the episode… Stephen’s latest project: The Mighty Minds Club. Learn more and subscribe: https://www.producthunt.com/upcoming/the-mighty-minds-club Karl’s recommended reads: Smarter Than You Think by Clive Thompson https://www.amazon.com/Smarter-Than-You-Think-Technology/dp/1594204454 and Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives by Tim Hartford https://www.amazon.com/Messy-Power-Disorder-Transform-Lives-ebook/dp/B01BD1SU2E/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1587498076&sr=1-1 Stephen’s interesting people to check out: Nicky Case and her “explorable explanations” https://ncase.me/; Bret Victor and real time feedback loops https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bret_Victor