DeepSummary
In this episode, John R. Miles interviews Alex Edmans, a finance professor at the London Business School, about his new book 'May Contain Lies' and the impact of psychological and societal biases on critical thinking in a post-truth world. They discuss how confirmation bias, black-and-white thinking, and the narrative fallacy lead people to accept misinformation that aligns with their beliefs, and how data can be misinterpreted or selectively presented to support a particular viewpoint.
Edmans shares examples of how these biases manifested in events like the Brexit referendum and the dissemination of inaccurate data in scientific studies. He emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing research methodology, considering alternative explanations, and relying on peer-reviewed sources to combat misinformation.
The conversation also explores strategies for individuals, organizations, and societies to think more critically, such as fostering cognitive diversity, encouraging dissent and debate, and teaching statistical literacy from an early age. Edmans advocates for informed skepticism and personal accountability in navigating the post-truth landscape.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Psychological biases, such as confirmation bias, black-and-white thinking, and the narrative fallacy, can lead people to accept misinformation that aligns with their beliefs and worldviews.
- Data and research can be selectively presented or misinterpreted to support a particular viewpoint, even if the full context or methodology suggests a different conclusion.
- Scrutinizing research methodology, considering alternative explanations, and relying on peer-reviewed sources are essential for combating misinformation.
- Fostering cognitive diversity, encouraging dissent and debate, and teaching statistical literacy from an early age can help individuals, organizations, and societies think more critically.
- Informed skepticism and personal accountability are crucial in navigating the post-truth landscape and separating truth from misinformation.
- Contextual factors, such as identity politics and cultural perspectives, can influence the perception and spread of misinformation.
- Presenting information in a way that aligns with people's values and worldviews, rather than contradicting them, can be more effective in promoting critical thinking.
- While misinformation is often unintentional, it can have significant societal implications and impact decision-making on important issues.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “So peer review. This might seem like an arcane scholarly ritual which doesn't matter to the person on the street, but it does matter. It has real implications. So it's just like any sort of kite mark. So how can we sleep safely at night? If our locks bear a kite mark showing it's secure, then we know it's something that we can trust.“ by Alex Edmonds
- “Even if he cart out that bar chart, most of the chart supported his idea that more sleep is better. 6789. That all led to fewer and fewer injuries. Yes, five went in the other direction, but mostly it was in his favor. But because of black and white thinking, people like to see things as always good and always bad. They often can't handle nuances.“ by Alex Edmonds
- “I think it's to encourage people to be more discerning and more critical. Now, critical doesn't mean that you're always having to be negative, but it means that you're just expressing your critical thinking faculties.“ by Alex Edmonds
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Episode Information
Passion Struck with John R. Miles
John R. Miles
6/4/24