3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Unexpected Contradictions
3 Ideas in 2 Minutes on Unexpected Contradictions
Peltzman Effect, Cunningham's Law & False Dichotomies
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I. Peltzman Effect
The Peltzman Effect states that mandated safety measures, such as the requirement to wear a helmet when riding a bike, can have perverse results. More specifically, accidents may increase instead of decrease. This is because people change their behaviour based on the level of perceived risk. We’re more likely to take chances if we have a (false) sense of security. If the perceived risk increases, we’re more careful.
The phenomenon is also known as the theory of risk compensation. Roughly speaking, the benefits of increased safety are offset by the increase in risky behaviour and the resulting injuries. The effect is named after Sam Peltzman, an economics professor who studied car safety in the 1970s.
To learn more about these kinds of phenomena, check out my newest essay on The Law of Unintended Consequences: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
II. Cunningham's Law
You’d think the best way to get answers in life is to ask the right questions. According to Cunningham's Law, though, you’d be better off with a different strategy. At least on the internet:
The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it’s to post the wrong answer.
The law has its name from Ward Cunningham, a programmer who first developed the wiki software. Ironically, Wikipedia seems to be based on the idea that people love to find mistakes and correct them. The rest is just a happy coincidence.
III. False Dichotomies
A False Dichotomy is an informal fallacy that wrongly presents two concepts as mutually exclusive. In the worst case to manipulate. In the best case to entertain. Either way:
We have to embrace false dichotomies, because the only alternative is cannibalism.
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Have a great week,
Chris
themindcollection.com