A question about two books concerning biases

[JMiller]

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

[JMiller]

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.

[Vaniver]

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

[JMiller]

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

[Ben Pace]

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?

[JMiller]

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

[Ben Pace]

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

[JMiller]

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

[somervta]

Seconded. I’m in much the same situation.