In the video, Data and the Physical World (Gold) we look at the severe limitations of data about the physical world. In 2020, there was a worlwide coin shortage and there were discussions about what was behind the shortage. One thing we should consider anytime we're discussing data related to the physical world is how the data do not capture many nuances that must be understood in the physical world. In the linked video, I point this out when I highlight the numbers involving gold production, but how those numbers don't capture all the energy, effort and complexity related to gold production. Reviewing data don't necessarily mean that we have an understanding of the depth of what the data are capturing.
Some questions that are answered in the video:
- What is one of many dangers when it comes to data about the physical world? Consider this question then ask yourself, how can we ensure that we don't fall into this potential trap?
- Using the example of mining, what is one example of misinformation about mining? Consider what your answer is, then ask how you would solve to avoid this? What would be required to get around this? Why should we know this?
- What is an alternative to relying on data about the physical world?
Along with these questions, reflect back over your own experience in areas where there are "data" about them, but the data don't show the big picture. If you've worked in an industry tied to the physical world, you'll know firsthand that the data are often right, but misleading. Knowing information is not the same as understanding information and discerning what part of the information matters to a particular situation.
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In general the brain seeks information, especially if it relates to patterns that it needs. We should recognize that we'll always be tempted to seek out data and may even seek out data that confirms patterns we've observed (or, the very nature of seeking out information related to information we already have is also something we'll do). Provided that we're conscious about this process, we may be able to use it to our advantage. When we're unconscious about our actions, we enter a dangerous situation of possibly putting ourselves at risk.
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