A question about two books concerning biases

post by JMiller · 2013-01-11T00:36:17.808Z · LW · GW · Legacy · 8 comments

I'm taking a class on heuristics and biases. I'm this class we have the option to read one of two "applied" books on the subject. The books are "The Panic Virus: A True Story of Medicine, Science, and Fear" by Seth Mnookin and "Sold on Language: How Advertisers Talk to You and What This Says About You" by Judith Sedivy and Greg Carlson.

I'd like to know if anyone has read one or both of these books, and how well or poorly they mesh with less wrong rationality.

Thanks,
Jeremy

8 comments

Comments sorted by top scores.

comment by JMiller · 2013-01-11T00:57:59.358Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I'm pretty new here. If you down vote me, I'd love if you could explain to me why, so I do not repeat some error. I appreciate both actions sincerely.

Replies from: Vaniver
comment by Vaniver · 2013-01-11T01:15:00.895Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I suspect the downvote is because this might be more appropriate for the Media Thread or the Open Thread.

Replies from: JMiller
comment by JMiller · 2013-01-11T01:18:15.993Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Thanks, I didn't know those existed. Appreciate it.

comment by Ben Pace (Benito) · 2013-01-11T10:56:36.054Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Another question regarding two books: I have Thinking, Fast and Slow by Kahneman's. How much more beneficial would it be to get Heuristics and Biases, the fuller works?

Replies from: JMiller, somervta
comment by JMiller · 2013-01-11T14:04:40.863Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Actually, Thinking is one of the required books of the course. The prof was apparently taught by Kahneman at one point.

Replies from: Benito
comment by Ben Pace (Benito) · 2013-01-16T08:29:11.522Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Oh that's cool, but I was looking for a comparison.

Replies from: JMiller
comment by JMiller · 2013-01-16T13:39:46.178Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

I know, I am just unable to provide one! Haven't read the book yet.

comment by somervta · 2013-01-14T05:24:47.646Z · LW(p) · GW(p)

Seconded. I'm in much the same situation.