Rationality versus Randomness

Join the Buenos Aires Philosophical Society in examining the role of reason and information in the face of uncertainty.

We will explore the nature uncertainty in human life as explained by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, in his 2001 book Fooled by Randomness. Taleb draws on mathematics, classical philosophy, and 20 years’ experience as an options trader and risk analyst to warns us about our own intelligence and hubris—that in the face of true randomness, our highly-evolved, pattern-seeking minds are often self-defeating. We are unable to view raw noise without looking for signal, and our resulting faulty models often lead us to disastrous decisions. When intuitions mismatch the math, what are the consequences for individuals and society? How do we avoid being fooled by randomness?

The event will begin with a short speech, introducing the key concepts and setting the tone for deeper exploration. Following this, we'll engage in independent writing exercises, allowing you to reflect on the ideas presented. The event will culminate in a group discussion where you can share your thoughts and connect with others.

This meetup is for anyone interested in:
- philosophy and rationality
- cognitive science
- economics, statistics
- counterintuitive ideas in general

No prior reading or academic background is required – just bring your curiosity, and something to write your reflections on if you would like to. Looking forward to seeing you!