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You make great points. However, I still have learned how to pump brakes in rain, and I taught it to my wife. The reason is that the better mechanism, anti-lock

You make great points. However, I still have learned how to pump brakes in rain, and I taught it to my wife. The reason is that the better mechanism, anti-lock braking systems in this case, can always fail. Joel Spolsky had a whole post about this: https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/11/11/the-law-of-leaky-abstractions/ https://www.joelonsoftware.com/2002/11/11/the-law-of-leaky-a... . If we only teach the happy path, we are setting ourselves and everyone else up for failure when the happy path fails, which it will. As another counterpoint, there is so much automation in modern airplanes that pilots are relying too much on the automation and losing their basic airmanship skills. (https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/airline-pilots-depend-too-much-automation-says-panel-commissioned-faa-flna2D11625301 https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/airline-pilots-depend-t...) I think the same problem is starting to show in all of the assist technologies in cars. People are starting to rely more on those technologies than they should. Basically, at some point, putting more concerns across the line is a bad idea because we will eventually lose the ability to handle things when they go wrong. We also lose institutional knowledge. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSRHeXYDLko https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSRHeXYDLko)

taeric 6y ago
I feel this fits things that "aren't really wrong", but that are dangerous. Other examples include monoculture of crops. Generally, not a good idea. Happens wherever it can, though. That is, I agree with your points. I just have difficulty thinking we have the full picture covered. :(
Rule35 6y ago
> I think the same problem is starting to show in all of the assist technologies in cars. People are starting to rely more on those technologies than they should. Have you seen the commercials where someone is driving and almost gets everyone killed by taking their eyes off the road. The system slams them to a halt, barely saving them, and the parent happily smiles - family safe, nothing to learn here. In one commercial, the parent is supposed to be teaching their child to drive. These driving aids should work differently. If they ever have to emergency-brake to save you they should immediately activate a small packet of thermite in the ECU, rendering the car into a brick. You proved you can't use it safely so you shouldn't have it. It would be different if these devices worked, but they don't. They just tell you that your lack of skill is okay.
- ghoward 6y ago
  That last two sentences sum it all up perfectly.

taeric 6y ago

I feel this fits things that "aren't really wrong", but that are dangerous. Other examples include monoculture of crops. Generally, not a good idea. Happens wherever it can, though. That is, I agree with your points. I just have difficulty thinking we have the full picture covered. :(

Rule35 6y ago

> I think the same problem is starting to show in all of the assist technologies in cars. People are starting to rely more on those technologies than they should. Have you seen the commercials where someone is driving and almost gets everyone killed by taking their eyes off the road. The system slams them to a halt, barely saving them, and the parent happily smiles - family safe, nothing to learn here. In one commercial, the parent is supposed to be teaching their child to drive. These driving aids should work differently. If they ever have to emergency-brake to save you they should immediately activate a small packet of thermite in the ECU, rendering the car into a brick. You proved you can't use it safely so you shouldn't have it. It would be different if these devices worked, but they don't. They just tell you that your lack of skill is okay.

ghoward 6y ago
That last two sentences sum it all up perfectly.