Radical Uncertainty

Decision-making for an unknowable future
3.87 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 991 ratings, 136 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Radical Uncertainty by John Kay and Mervyn King explores the complexities of decision-making in an unpredictable world. The authors argue that the unpredictability of many events means traditional probabilistic thinking is inadequate. Instead, they advocate for practical wisdom and an understanding of the wider context to navigate uncertainty effectively.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the limitations of predictive analysis and decision-making in the face of uncertainty. Co-authored by a distinguished economist and a former central banker, it offers insightful discussions on how to navigate complex, unpredictable environments without relying overly on precise calculations or forecasts.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Radical Uncertainty

This ambitious and thought-provoking new work offers an overarching analysis of decision-making in all walks of life.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
'A brilliant new book' Daily Telegraph 'Well written . . . and often entertaining' The Times 'A sparkling analysis' Prospect

When uncertainty is all around us, and the facts are not clear, how can we make good decisions?

We do not know what the future will hold, particularly in the midst of a crisis, but we must make decisions anyway. We regularly crave certainties which cannot exist and invent knowledge we cannot have, forgetting that humans are successful because we have adapted to an environment that we understand only imperfectly. Throughout history, we have developed a variety of ways of coping with the radical uncertainty that defines our lives.

This incisive and eye-opening book draws on biography, history, mathematics, economics, and philosophy to highlight the most successful - and most short-sighted - methods of dealing with an unknowable future. Ultimately, the authors argue, the prevalent method of our age falls short, giving us a false understanding of our power to make predictions, leading to many of the problems we experience today.

Tightly argued, provocative and written with wit and flair, Radical Uncertainty is at once an exploration of the limits of numbers and a celebration of human instinct and wisdom.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Radical Uncertainty by John Kay and Mervyn King explores how unpredictability and ambiguity define much of the world. The authors suggest traditional probabilistic thinking falls short in dealing with uncertain scenarios. Readers praise the book for its insightful arguments and real-world applicability, though some find the concepts challenging.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349143996

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: The Bridge Street Press

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 190.0mm

Weight: 440g

Pages: 560

About the Author

Mervyn King was Governor of the Bank of England from 2003 to 2013, and is currently Professor of Economics and Law at New York University and School Professor of Economics at the London School of Economics. Lord King was made a life peer in 2013, and appointed by the Queen a Knight of the Garter in 2014.

John Kay is a visiting professor at the London School of Economics and a Fellow of St John's College, Oxford. He is a director of several public companies and contributes a weekly column to the Financial Times. He chaired the UK government review of equity markets which reported in 2012 recommending substantial reforms. He is the author of many books including Other People's Money, The Truth about Markets, The Long and the Short of It and Obliquity.

Also by John Kay

View all

Also by Mervyn King

View all

More from Education & Reference

View all

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 80,000 books and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.