A knowledge curse: how knowledge can reduce human welfare.

R Soc Open Sci

Department of Economics, Stockholm School of Economics, P.O. Box 6501, Stockholm 113 83, Sweden.

Published: August 2024

Greater knowledge is always an advantage for a rational individual. However, this article shows that for a group of rational individuals greater knowledge can backfire, leading to a worse outcome for all. Surprisingly, this can happen even when new knowledge does not mean the discovery of a new action but simply provides a deeper understanding of the interaction at stake. More specifically, enhanced knowledge about the current state of nature may hinder cooperation among purely self-interested individuals. The paper describes this paradoxical possibility-a 'knowledge curse'-and analyses the evolutionary process that occurs if, initially, only a few people have access to the greater knowledge. It concludes with a tentative comment on ways to avert this potential knowledge backlash.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11303020PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.240358DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

greater knowledge
12
knowledge
8
knowledge curse
4
curse knowledge
4
knowledge reduce
4
reduce human
4
human welfare
4
welfare greater
4
knowledge advantage
4
advantage rational
4

Similar Publications

Background: Collaborative research with end-users is an effective way to generate meaningful research applications and support greater impact on practice and knowledge exchange. To address these needs, a Citizen Advisory Group (CAG) of nine older adults (ages 64-80, 67% women) was formed to advise scientists on the development of Brain Health PRO (BHPro), a web-based platform designed to increase dementia prevention literacy and awareness. The current study evaluated if the CAG met its objectives, how inclusion of the CAG aligned with collaborative research approaches, and the CAG's experience and satisfaction throughout the development process.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Factors associated with patients' demand for low-value care: a scoping review.

BMC Health Serv Res

December 2024

Department of Health Economics and Health Services Research, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 13720, Antonie van Leewenhoeklaan 9, Bilthoven, BA, Netherlands.

Background: Low-value care is unnecessary care that contributes to inefficient use of health resources and constitutes a considerable proportion of healthcare expenditures worldwide. Factors contributing to patients' demand for low-value care have often been overlooked and are dispersed in the literature. Therefore, the current study aimed to systematically summarize factors associated with patients' demand for low-value care.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Nuclear medicine is an interdisciplinary field that integrates basic science with clinical medicine. The traditional classroom teaching model lacks interactive and efficient teaching methods and does not adequately address the learning needs and educational goals associated with standardized training for residents. The teaching model that combines Small Private Online Courses (SPOCs) with a flipped classroom approach is more aligned with the demands of real-life scenarios and workplace requirements, thereby assisting students in developing comprehensive literacy and practical problem-solving skills.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Although studies have examined the association of the Relative Fat Mass (RFM, a novel anthropometric index used as a surrogate for whole-body fat percentage) with all-cause mortality, the association of RFM with diabetes-related mortality and heart disease mortality has not been thoroughly investigated. In addition, no study has compared the associations of RFM and waist circumference (a surrogate for intra-abdominal fat) with cause-specific mortality and all-cause mortality. In the present study, we addressed these knowledge gaps.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Venous thromboembolism in transfer trauma patients: A global problem.

Surgery

December 2024

Dewitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, and Ryder Trauma Center, Miami, FL.

Background: As air travel and immobility are risk factors for venous thromboembolism, we aimed to test the hypothesis that internationally transferred trauma patients have a high incidence of venous thromboembolism on arrival.

Methods: A prospectively maintained registry of all international transferred trauma patients who presented to our level I trauma center from January 2023 to June 2024 was retrospectively reviewed. Patients with either lower extremity venous duplex ultrasound or computed tomography scan of the chest with contrast on arrival were included.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!