One of the best books I have read on addiction is by Gabor Mate (2008) In the Realm of The Hungry Ghosts. Of course, there are many other sources that help explain the psychology of addiction but Mate is particularly helpful in situating addiction in social context. The idea that addiction is a … [Read more...] about Addiction in Certainty and the Harm of Addiction In Safety
confirmation bias
Confirmity in Conformity
Confirmity in Conformity Safety is the industry of conformity. This is despite the fact that many of the things people believe they must conform with are mythical. In the very brief history of safety we now have the situation where the dominant Safety worldview is mechanistic, focused on - safety … [Read more...] about Confirmity in Conformity
Learning from people who we don’t agree with
Learning from people who we don’t agree with I recently read this article, shared with me by a friend, and written by Mark Brandi a former ministerial adviser in the Bracks Labor government in Victoria, Australia. The article got me thinking of the many conversations I have had with good friend … [Read more...] about Learning from people who we don’t agree with
Confirmation Bias, Risk and Being Offensive
I was sent this funny clip (https://youtu.be/G1juPBoxBdc) of Tim Minchin presenting his understanding of Confirmation Bias yesterday. Minchin is much more than a comedian and musician, he is a philosopher, critical thinker and ‘thought leader’ in a true sense of what that should mean. I find it … [Read more...] about Confirmation Bias, Risk and Being Offensive
AI Mythology, Confirmation Bias and Safety
One of the skills in critical thinking is deconstructing assumptions underneath argument. This skill is essential when reading anything about AI and safety. It is critical in risk and safety to be able to deconstruct argument and discern Real Risk … [Read more...] about AI Mythology, Confirmation Bias and Safety
How Bias Inhibits Learning in Safety
Tim Minchin is an Australian composer, musician, entertainer and comedian who really knows how to reveal the human condition. In this short video he ‘nails’ the challenges of Confirmation Bias (see below). Confirmation Bias is one of hundreds of unconscious filters we use every moment of every day … [Read more...] about How Bias Inhibits Learning in Safety
Afraid to Let Go of What Doesn’t Work in Safety
One of the common attributes of the safety industry is ‘playing it safe’. Of course, this makes sense to this industry and is consistent with the archetype of compliance and conservativism common to its culture. This attribute also limits creativity, imagination, discovery and learning. It also … [Read more...] about Afraid to Let Go of What Doesn’t Work in Safety