Newton and Decartes, get outta my head! -The paradigm shift from traditional engineering to Resilience Engineering

Using examples from the field of accident investigation, this talk will explain how we are led astray when we apply the paradigm of machines and automation to the people using those machines and automation. Traditional human... [ view full abstract ]

Using examples from the field of accident investigation, this talk will explain how we are led astray when we apply the paradigm of machines and automation to the people using those machines and automation. Traditional human factors approaches are rooted in the same positivist scientific tradition as engineering. Admittedly, Descartes and Newton had some pretty good ideas. However, these approaches applied to the human and social aspects of modern systems are not yielding the desired results. Upon examination, we can see how our misapplication of linear, bimodal, decompositionist principles to the human operator in the context of complex, high risk, sociotechnical system is illogical. This discussion will challenge you to reconsider the way you think about aviation safety, risk, and accidents.