Explore the limitations of common sense in solving complex problems through this thought-provoking lecture by Duncan Watts, Principal Researcher at Microsoft. Delve into the systematic failures of relying on shared assumptions when addressing intricate issues in government, business, and marketing. Discover how questioning common sense can lead to more effective solutions as Watts, a physicist-turned-sociologist, presents compelling examples from various fields. Examine case studies such as The American Soldier, the European Financial Crisis, and the Mona Lisa to understand the pitfalls of conventional wisdom. Learn about the scientific method's application to social problems and strategies for dealing with unpredictability. Gain insights into the future of sociology and the importance of critical thinking in approaching complex systems.
Overview
Syllabus
Introduction
Duncans background
Why do we treat social problems differently
Social problems are not hard
This is not rocket science
What is common sense
Everybody thinks they know what it is
The problem
Complex systems
Systemic errors
The American Soldier
Lazarus Feld
The European Financial Crisis
We can always find
The Mona Lisa
The Scientific Method
Learn What You Can Predict
Build Strategies That Dont Rely on Predicting
The Halo Effect
The Future of Sociology
Conclusion
Taught by
Santa Fe Institute
