Economics prof Michael Giberson:
It is a kind of compliment to the math and science behind the wisdom-of-crowds phenomena that [Derren] Brown would think to invoke it in his post-prediction patter. [Derren] Brown believed that enough of his audience would have some awareness of the concept that his references might seem plausible. He also believed that his audience wouldn’t understand it well enough to see through his claims.
Yet pseudo-scientific claims do water down public understanding of what real science is. One magician’s claims about one of his stunts will not undermine science, of course, but it worthwhile to expose such pseudo-scientific quackery when spotted. The stunt may have been sort of entertaining, but the explanation is all bunk.
Previously: Derren Brown’s lottery win = A split camera trick disguised as ‘wisdom of crowds’
He’s an illusionist.
Like “snake-oil” salesmen of the past, he’ll use dubious and arbitrary (but expertly chosen) words to encourage his audience into believing what HE wants them to believe, see what HE wants them to see…. But his confidence trickery is for ENTERTAINMENT ONLY.
Lack of understanding, generally, amongst the public aboput the mathematics of chance is a gravy train for him.
He isn’t a crook, just an entertainer. There’s bigger fish to fry.
Think of a large company that helps itself to a portion of its Client’s money, covertly, and then, when the Clientele find out, claims it’s perfectly legal because it has ( and does have!!!!) a LICENCE to do that …issued by a Government-appointed Regulator!!!
SOMETHING is wrong, and making big bucks from the unsuspecting, daily.
And it ain’t a TV entertainment show.
Adonis