Neurosciences et sécurité
How the operating mode of our brain leads us to make errors
Author(s): Isabelle Simonetto
Publisher: Mardaga
Date of publication: 2020
Manageris opinion
[Neuroscience and safety]
On the contrary to what we often think, error is nothing accidental. Conversely, it is routine. Indeed, our brain functions in great part through automatisms, such as the automatic recognition of what we see, instinctive associations, extrapolation from situations that we have already experienced, etc. These automatisms are vital: they enable us to save our cognitive energy while rapidly reacting to the signals in our environment. Their drawbacks? They lead us to make approximations, take shortcuts and come up with erroneous interpretations. Most of these errors are minor—but some can be dramatic.
Isabelle Simonetto analyzes the mechanics that lead us to such errors. She explains, on a tone that is both fun and scholarly, how the human brain functions and shows, with supporting examples, how it can easily mislead us, whatever our level of competence or commitment. To fully convince us, she proposes numerous tests that can be self-administered to realize the extent to which our brain can trick us.
A book that is as instructive as it is pleasant to read.
