Less Wrong is a community blog devoted to refining the art of human rationality. Please visit our About page for more information.

A question about two books concerning biases

1 Post author: JMiller 11 January 2013 12:36AM

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

Comments (8)

Comment author: Benito 11 January 2013 10:56:36AM 3 points [-]

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?

Comment author: somervta 14 January 2013 05:24:47AM 1 point [-]

Seconded. I'm in much the same situation.

Comment author: JMiller 11 January 2013 02:04:40PM 1 point [-]

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

Comment author: Benito 16 January 2013 08:29:11AM 1 point [-]

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

Comment author: JMiller 16 January 2013 01:39:46PM 1 point [-]

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

Comment author: JMiller 11 January 2013 12:57:59AM 6 points [-]

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.

Comment author: Vaniver 11 January 2013 01:15:00AM *  11 points [-]

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

Comment author: JMiller 11 January 2013 01:18:15AM 7 points [-]

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