Daniel Ward
Mistaken
I Think, Therefore I Make Mistakes and Change my Mind
Aeon, 2018
What's inside?
Everyone makes mistakes, so why do economics and sociology treat people’s preferences as a special exception?
Recommendation
Ever since English poet Alexander Pope wrote the famous line, “To err is human,” people have linked humanity to the ability to make mistakes. And yet, this realization doesn’t always extend to people’s personal preferences, which sciences such as economics and sociology tend to treat as given or even too sacred to criticize. Lawyer Daniel Ward deconstructs the origins of what he calls “general infallibility” and calls for more critical thinking. Ward’s analysis meanders a bit and is more than a light read, but if you work in a diverse environment, you will appreciate his premise that criticizing – even judging – the opinions of others means giving those opinions the respect they deserve.
Summary
About the Author
Attorney Daniel Ward focuses on commercial litigation and international arbitration. He is a PhD candidate in legal studies at the University of Cambridge, England.
Comment on this summary