Trusting (or not trusting) professionals, others and oneself

[MeSci]

I could not find a forum that seemed really suitable for this item but I think it is very relevant to us. It is a thoughtful examination of the decision-making processes in professionals (including doctors) and others, and how often and why decisions are often wrong, and also looks at the need for non-professionals to educate and empower themselves to challenge 'experts'. It also points out the need to question one's own views and decisions.

It's a 15-minute radio programme which was on BBC Radio 4 last night.

I hope everyone can listen from here. If not, maybe I or someone else can find another link where people outside the UK can listen.

 

[Little Bluestem]

I was able to listen here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/series/fourthought

 

[Snowdrop]

I couldn't access the BBC site so I don't know the details of that talk but I found a link to a TED talk by the same person.
Very interesting. If you go to the link I provide you can also use the social media links to show support for the thoughts and create influence.
https://www.ted.com/talks/noreena_hertz_how_to_use_experts_and_when_not_to#t-197818

An especially relevant comment was that it's not just about creating new paradigms but actively destroying old ones. (I'm paraphrasing)

 

[alex3619]

I am still listening to the video (on the second link, downloaded) but the attitudes given are essentially mine so far. Questions are critical. Deference to experts often means being mired in dogma.

 

[Sean]

An especially relevant comment was that it's not just about creating new paradigms but actively destroying old ones.

Reminds me of that old joke about science proceeding one funeral at a time.