The Logic of Failure

Dietrich Dörner examines the cognitive traps that lead intelligent and well-intentioned people to make poor decisions, particularly in complex, dynamic environments. Through a series of computer simulations and case studies, the book illustrates how standard problem-solving strategies often fail when systems are interconnected and feedback loops are delayed. Dörner argues that the root of failure is not a lack of intelligence or effort, but rather a mismatch between linear human intuition and the non-linear nature of complex systems.

The writing style is analytical and pedagogical, blending psychological insight with systems theory. It serves as a critical companion to works on bounded rationality, offering practical frameworks for recognizing when a problem is too complex for intuitive shortcuts. The text is accessible yet rigorous, aiming to cultivate a more systemic mode of thinking that accounts for unintended consequences and long-term dynamics.

Description adapted from Open Library bibliographic data ↗.