User:AJim/checklist

introduction
This chapter sets out the basic problem and its proposed solution:

Philosophers describe 3 classes of failure: Since the 1950s the balance between ignorance and ineptitude, in all fields of human endeavor, and especially as the result of scientific advances, has shifted dramatically; we know so much more than we once did, but we struggle with the resulting complexity.
 * necessary fallibility - things inherently beyond our capacity
 * ignorance - things we do not know how to do
 * ineptitude - things we do not do as we should

The present situation is this: Improvement will not come from more training.
 * there is stupendous know-how
 * it is in the hands of superbly trained and skilled, hardworking and dedicated practitioners
 * they routinely accomplish extraordinary things
 * but this know how is often unmanageable in the face of the complexity of applying it all correctly

A better strategy for overcoming failure should build on experience and take advantage of knowledge but make up for the inevitable human inadequacies.

This simple, almost ridiculous sounding, strategy is a checklist.