Comprehension The Power of Humanitarian Thinking in the Age of Algorithms
Original title: Sensemaking. The Power of the Humanities in the Age of the Algorithm
Authors: Christian Madsbjerg
Publisher: Mann, Ivanov & Ferber, 2017 г
ISBN 978-5-00117-080-8
Pages: 208 pp.
Format: 70×100/16
Weight: 510 g
Binding: Hardcover
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Apologia for Human Intelligence in the Age of Big Data Tyranny.
The exact sciences are a good way to explain many things on our planet, namely things of a material nature. Chemistry, engineering, or physics are incredibly effective. But they don't explain ourselves. The famous physicist Neil Degrasse Tyson states, "In science, when human behavior is taken into account, things become non-linear. That's why physics is simple and sociology is complex.
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter how much accurate data we have, how many brain scans we have studied on our screens, or how many different ways we have segmented our markets. Without an understanding of human behavior, all our knowledge is powerless. When we lose touch with the person behind every policy decision, every breakthrough innovation and every successful corporate project, we limit our ability to truly understand the world.
If we want to really make sense of the issues, we will have to return to a process that seems old-fashioned and outdated in today's world--a world whose entire pain is drowned out by the perspective of algorithms. This is the thing that all of our organizations, all participants in civil discourse, desperately need. It is about critical thinking. It has never seemed so revolutionary or so cutting edge.
Christian Madsbjerg, in his book, explains how many of today's success stories come about not through quantum and big data, but through thinking and deep learning about the nuances and connections of culture, language and history.
In the book, he derives five principles for today's leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who wants to solve complex problems, and shows how successful people use the power of humanitarian thinking.
Quotes from
- Humanities. What does it mean to be human? How do we experience ourselves in the world? Where does meaning come from? In answering these profound questions, it is extremely helpful to turn to the humanities.
- Openness. The most creative people in the world are most open to what their world reveals or shows.
- Distractions. While you gather your thoughts, do what you can. Do the doable. Meet people, talk and laugh your heart out. Create layouts and models. At the very least, pay attention to the problems of others. It's certainly a doable task.
- Emotions. What are humans for? Algorithms can do many things, but never worry. People are made to be concerned.
- Context. When we are in a bad mood, we get caught up in reality, we see everything in a black color. It affects what you can be involved in. It also affects the way that interaction takes place.
- Involvement. Creative thinking and brilliant innovation require involvement. It's incredibly difficult and, frankly, nerve-racking.