Escape from Model Land

How Mathematical Models Can Lead Us Astray and What We Can Do About It

By: Erica Thompson

Narrated by: Kirsty Dillon

Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

How do mathematical models shape our world—and how can we harness their power for good?

Models are at the centre of everything we do. Whether we use them or are simply affected by them, they act as metaphors that help us better understand the increasingly complex problems facing us in the modern world. Without models, we couldn't begin to tackle three of the major challenges facing modern society: regulation of the economy, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet in recent years, the validity of the models we use has been hotly debated and there has been renewed awareness of the disastrous consequences when the makers and interpreters of models get things wrong.

Drawing on contemporary examples from finance, climate and health policy, Erica Thompson explores what models are, why we need them, how they work and what happens when they go wrong. This is not an audiobook that argues we should do away with models, but rather, that we need to properly understand how they are constructed—and how some of the assumptions that underlie the models we use can have significant unintended consequences. Unexpectedly humorous, thought-provoking and passionate, this is essential listening for everyone.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2022 Erica Thompson (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

very informative

A good introduction to the use and abuse of mathematical models with special attention the financial crisi, climate, and COVID.