“Model Blinkers” emerges as a crucial concept in The Atomic Human, describing how theoretical models and paradigms can limit our ability to see beyond established frameworks, particularly in scientific and technological development.
Origins and Definition
The concept is most explicitly developed in Chapter 10, using examples from physics history to show how established models can restrict thinking:
Planck and Einstein’s quantum mechanics discoveries challenged classical physics
Established scientists often struggled to accept new paradigms
The term describes how theoretical frameworks can act like horse blinkers, narrowing perception
Blake’s Newton and Visual Metaphor
William Blake’s image of Newton provides a powerful visual metaphor for model blinkers:
Shows Newton focused intently on geometric measurements
Depicts him turning his back on the rich, colorful world behind him
Illustrates how mathematical models can blind us to broader reality
Captures tension between reductionist precision and holistic understanding
Relation to Theory-Induced Blindness
While related to Kahneman’s concept of theory-induced blindness, model blinkers differs in key ways:
Theory-induced blindness describes inability to see flaws in theories we’ve mastered
Model blinkers emphasizes how frameworks actively restrict our peripheral vision
Kahneman focuses on individual cognitive bias
Model blinkers addresses systematic limitations in scientific/technical approaches
Historical Examples
The book traces this phenomenon through several contexts:
Machine Summary
“Model Blinkers” emerges as a crucial concept in The Atomic Human, describing how theoretical models and paradigms can limit our ability to see beyond established frameworks, particularly in scientific and technological development.
Origins and Definition
The concept is most explicitly developed in Chapter 10, using examples from physics history to show how established models can restrict thinking:
Blake’s Newton and Visual Metaphor
William Blake’s image of Newton provides a powerful visual metaphor for model blinkers:
Relation to Theory-Induced Blindness
While related to Kahneman’s concept of theory-induced blindness, model blinkers differs in key ways:
Historical Examples
The book traces this phenomenon through several contexts:
Modern Manifestations
Current examples of model blinkers include:
Implications for AI
The concept has particular relevance for artificial intelligence:
Breaking Free
The book suggests several approaches to overcome model blinkers:
This theme emphasizes how awareness of model blinkers is crucial for avoiding technological tunnel vision and maintaining genuine innovation.