It is so attractive to develop simple binary models of human ‘being’ that are mythical/symbolic but NOT real. Eg. Human thinking is not fast and/or slow (https://safetyrisk.net/the-myth-of-fast-and-slow/). The implications of myth implies that people act on it. We witness this in any form of … [Read more...] about The Brain as Computer Myth
Search Results for: Myth
Creating Myths and Rituals in Safety
The test of how ‘religious’ someone is about anything is to see what they can do without or compromise on (what they make sacred or taboo). Just ask a sports fan to take down their poster of their favourite team. Just suggest to someone that something they are attached to and anchored to, be taken … [Read more...] about Creating Myths and Rituals in Safety
Myth and Symbols in Safety
A myth is not a fairy tale or fiction but a false belief made true by ‘anchoring' to a symbol. Myths/symbols are not historically or scientifically true but are made true by the mythical proposition of the symbol. We saw this in the last blog about posture. Despite dozens of safety text books that … [Read more...] about Myth and Symbols in Safety
Safety Mythbusters
Continuing our series on Safety Myths – see them all here Myths and mythology are not about fairy tales or non-truth but rather symbolic truth and mythical truth. What this means is that when an idea is made true by a culture, it is then enacted as true by that population. We see this in common to … [Read more...] about Safety Mythbusters
The Domino Myth in Safety
Continuing our series on Safety Myths – see them all here It seems whenever a safety book wants to identify its roots it traces itself back to Heinrich, Bird, Weaver, Adams, Loftus, Reason and Petersen and the mythical domino construct (The Domino Delusion). Always be suspicious of engineers using … [Read more...] about The Domino Myth in Safety
Understanding Safety Myths
Understanding Safety Myths The term ‘mythology’ is not understood well and is associated with the idea of legend/fairy tale but that’s not its meaning. It is certainly not how myth is defined in social psychology. Mythology is really a set of beliefs supported by semiotics (symbol systems) and … [Read more...] about Understanding Safety Myths
Indiana Jones and the Hero Myth in Safety
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is due for release this week and reminds us of the myth of the hero. Particularly, the addiction of Safety to this myth. Here are a few examples: https://www.ergon.com.au/network/safety/safety-heroes … [Read more...] about Indiana Jones and the Hero Myth in Safety
Deconstructing the Myth of Heinrich
One of the most significant factors that enables the mythology of Heinrich in Safety is that people don’t read Heinrich, can’t access Heinrich and have no expertise in Historiography. Most often in Safety those profess some expertise in: History, Culture, Neuroscience, Habits or Psychology, have no … [Read more...] about Deconstructing the Myth of Heinrich
Zero Harm, Santa Claus and Other Such Myths
Zero Harm, Santa Claus and Other Such Myths It’s beginning to look at lot like….. well you know the song. It’s that time of the year where you can’t take a trip to the shopping centre (mall) without the sounds of carols and other Christmas songs dominating the airwaves. It’s also that time of the … [Read more...] about Zero Harm, Santa Claus and Other Such Myths
The Myth of Neuroscience Safety
Continuing our series on Safety Myths – see them all here Nothing surprises me much more when I get sent wacky stuff concocted by Safety. If ever there was an immature amateurish industry it is this one. It seems a passion for safety makes one qualified and expert in anything. Have a look at this … [Read more...] about The Myth of Neuroscience Safety