C1 – Advanced
When majority of the people agree on something, it is easy to conclude that it may be true/reliable or it is the right thing to do. However, in ancient Jewish law, it was the opposite. If the defendant was found guilty unanimously then he would be acquitted. Why was that so? Lawmakers back then observed that when there is unanimous agreement, there is the presence of systemic flaws in their judicial process.
Watch the video to know about the paradox of unanimity and know whether we should trust unanimous decisions.
Discussion Questions:
- What is the paradox of unanimity?
- Have you ever agreed on something because most people around you have done so?
- What does the last phrase, “if it is too good to be true, it probably is” mean?
2 replies on “Paradox of Unanimity”
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the paradox of unanimity?
Basically, that under some situations a decision with a 100% agreement of the people is untrusty and possible is a wrong decision. Regarding the video there are some examples, but an unanimous decision in a police line-up can blame a person maybe for his appearance due to the bias of the witnesses (p.e. an arab look? Latino look?)
2. Have you ever agreed on something because most people around you have done so?
Yes of course, in some situation a prefer don’t argue with people, in others, for instance in a work environment, is simpler not be against the top management decision… It’s survival!
3. What does the last phrase, “if it is too good to be true, it probably is” mean?
I think sometimes odd or bizarre things are truth because is difficult to made them up … For example if someone tell you that cause to arrive late to the meeting is that he found a person sleeping his car… probably is truth.. Nobody has such imagination! People use the same old excuses: traffic jam, etc.
Interesting to read your thoughts on this topic.
See how this sentence can be revised:
You are doing a very good job so far. Keep at it!