Sep 14, 2023Liked by Francisco Perez, Faris R. Kronfli
Gentlemen,
Thank you for this insightful and well written examination of Behavioral Science and Public Policy.
I believe, however, that to truly put this topic into perspective we must understand the etymological roots of an additional word: Politics.
This word also traces it’s roots back to ancient Greece and Latin, evolving from two root words:
Poli – “Many”
Tics – “Blood Sucking Insects”
As I listen to current day politicians of either party, I’m not confident that the “fascinating transformation in the foundations of decision-making” that you cite has taken place. While policymakers may no longer rely on myth, superstition, and religion, in today’s environment they seem to rely on blind tribal loyalty and Party narrative as opposed to empirical evidence and established scientific principle to inform their decisions.
I agree that policymakers should adopt a learning-oriented approach, utilizing regular evaluations and data to help refine policies accordingly. Despite what we could apply to this subject from the teachings of B.F. Skinner, I believe we are witnessing the bias towards short-term thinking, and immediate rewards, such as the reelection prospect that you discussed.
Until we can reverse this trend in our current Politics, I’m fearful that policymakers will continue to suck the blood out of our mutual hope for a more harmonious society.
Please keep your thought provoking articles on this subject coming!
Thanks Ed for your on target and informed comments. You are right, our policy making process is broken. Short term and immediate rewards trumps (no pun intended!) a disciplined and learning-oriented approach that is needed to implement policies that benefits the greater good! Behavior change is needed at all fronts I love your in depth analysis of the word POLi-Tics.. Quite Precise! Frank.
Gentlemen,
Thank you for this insightful and well written examination of Behavioral Science and Public Policy.
I believe, however, that to truly put this topic into perspective we must understand the etymological roots of an additional word: Politics.
This word also traces it’s roots back to ancient Greece and Latin, evolving from two root words:
Poli – “Many”
Tics – “Blood Sucking Insects”
As I listen to current day politicians of either party, I’m not confident that the “fascinating transformation in the foundations of decision-making” that you cite has taken place. While policymakers may no longer rely on myth, superstition, and religion, in today’s environment they seem to rely on blind tribal loyalty and Party narrative as opposed to empirical evidence and established scientific principle to inform their decisions.
I agree that policymakers should adopt a learning-oriented approach, utilizing regular evaluations and data to help refine policies accordingly. Despite what we could apply to this subject from the teachings of B.F. Skinner, I believe we are witnessing the bias towards short-term thinking, and immediate rewards, such as the reelection prospect that you discussed.
Until we can reverse this trend in our current Politics, I’m fearful that policymakers will continue to suck the blood out of our mutual hope for a more harmonious society.
Please keep your thought provoking articles on this subject coming!
Thanks Ed for your on target and informed comments. You are right, our policy making process is broken. Short term and immediate rewards trumps (no pun intended!) a disciplined and learning-oriented approach that is needed to implement policies that benefits the greater good! Behavior change is needed at all fronts I love your in depth analysis of the word POLi-Tics.. Quite Precise! Frank.