How Much Do We Really Know?
Summary
We often think we understand the world in much greater detail than we actually do, a phenomenon called the “illusion of knowledge.” Cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach explains why this happens, using examples ranging from everyday objects like toilets to complex systems like automated cockpits and financial markets. He also explores how this illusion impacts our views on political issues and offers strategies, like explaining concepts in detail, to bridge the gap between what we know and what we think we know.Episode description
You probably know someone who thinks they know more about something than they really do. But you could never be described that way . . . could you? This week, cognitive scientist Phil Fernbach explains the "illusion of knowledge" — the fact that we think we understand the world in much greater detail than we actually do. He'll explore why this happens, and how to close the gap between what we know and what we think we know.
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