Tag: Cognitive Biases
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Failure of Imagination
Failure of imagination describes the inability to foresee major risks or opportunities due to cognitive blind spots and conventional thinking, as highlighted by the 9/11 Commission. It applies to events like Pearl Harbor and the 2008 crisis, spanning security, business, and social contexts. Mitigation involves scenario planning, diverse perspectives, and historical learning.
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Wishful Thinking
Through wishful thinking, individuals prioritize desires over empirical truth in forming beliefs and making decisions. This phenomenon impacts both personal and broader societal decisions, underscoring the importance of critical, evidence-based thinking in navigating life’s complexities.
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It Tells You Everything You Need to Know
No, it doesn’t.
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Non-substantive Disagreement
Non-substantive Disagreement occurs when debate or discussion responses fail to engage with the actual content or logical structure of an argument, instead focusing on externalities such as presentation, perceived intentions, or unrelated issues.
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Influence Operation
Employing media and psychological strategies, influence operations shape public perception for strategic objectives. Evolving from traditional propaganda, their integration with digital technology influences societal behaviors and global politics, while posing ethical challenges.
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Nudging
Nudge theory, developed by Thaler and Sunstein, utilizes subtle cues to influence decision-making, applied in fields like public policy and health. It operates on the principle that small environmental or informational adjustments can significantly impact behavior, prioritizing ethical application and individual autonomy.
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Social Engineering
In its modern form, social engineering leverages psychological manipulation in cybersecurity, targeting human vulnerabilities to extract sensitive information. Its application raises legal and ethical issues, and combating it requires both technological solutions and informed awareness.
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Tall Poppy Syndrome
Tall Poppy Syndrome, rooted in historical anecdotes, manifests as societal pushback against conspicuous success. It reflects deep-rooted tensions between individual accomplishment and collective conformity, gaining prominence in settings that emphasize social equality.
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Overreach
Overreach signifies actions pushed past prudent limits, often culminating in adverse effects across political, economic, and strategic realms, necessitating recalibration to mitigate risks and restore balance.