The Semmelweis Reflex
The Semmelweis reflex is a term that describes the tendency to reject new evidence or knowledge that contradicts established norms, beliefs, or paradigms. It's named after Ignaz Semmelweis, a Hungarian physician who discovered that handwashing reduces the incidence of childbed fever. However, his findings were rejected by his colleagues, who refused to believe that something as simple as handwashing could be practical. In the 19th century, doctors washed their hands after operations, not before.
The Semmelweis reflex is a common phenomenon that can be seen in many different fields, including science, medicine, and business. It can be challenging to overcome, as it is often rooted in our biases and assumptions. However, it is important to be aware of the Semmelweis reflex to avoid rejecting new ideas that could be beneficial.
The Semmelweis Museum, Budapest, Hungary.
Here are some examples of the Semmelweis reflex in action:
- The resistance to germ theory: In the 19th century, many doctors and scientists resisted the idea that germs caused disease. It contradicted the prevailing belief that bodily imbalances and atmospheres (bad smells) caused disease. Pre-internet thinking paradigms took years and sometimes decades for the news to go around, so their adoption was seriously delayed. Germs had not been formally 'discovered'. Although correct, Semmelweis was unable to prove his hypothesis.
- The rejection of heliocentrism: In the 16th century, Nicolaus Copernicus proposed that the Earth revolves around the Sun. This contradicted the prevailing belief that the Earth was the centre of the universe.
- The resistance to climate change: There is a small but vocal minority of people who reject the scientific consensus that climate change is real and caused by human activity.
The Semmelweis reflex can have serious consequences. In the case of Ignaz Semmelweis, his findings were rejected, and he was eventually forced to leave his job, leading to the deaths of many women who could have been saved if his results had been accepted.
We can all help overcome the Semmelweis reflex by being open to new ideas, even if they contradict our beliefs. We should also be critical of the information we are presented with and be willing to question the status quo. By doing so, we can help ensure that new knowledge is accepted and we can make better decisions.
There are many Cognitive Biases, many more than most people realise. If you want to think your way out of a mind trap, you must first realise that you're already trapped.
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