One of the foundational drivers of understanding perception and decision making in SPoR is the One Brain Three Minds concept (1B3M). It essentially proposes that humans have three speeds and centres of perception and decision making, as whole persons. There is extensive research to support the idea that humans think with their head, heart and gut. Indeed, many scholars name the heart and gut as the second and third brain (https://safetyrisk.net/one-brain-three-minds-what-the-research-says/ ). This is represented semiotically as Figure 1. One Brian Three Minds (1B3M)

Figure 1. One Brian Three Minds (1B3M)

The reason why it matters is because it helps explain the psychology of perception and why 95% of all human decision making is automatic, intuitive and unconscious. The outdated theory of brains-as-computers has been smashed to pieces by all of the research in neuroscience (https://safetyrisk.net/essential-readings-neuroscience-and-the-whole-person/).

When we use the word ‘mind’ it means whole person, not brain. The brain is at best a coordinating organ NOT a data centre.

All of the metaphors used in safety as if the brain is a computer will ensure that whatever system and method that follows, will NOT address the nature of human learning. (https://safetyrisk.net/the-myth-of-neuroscience-safety/) Similarly, it will not address how people make decisions collectively (in teams) or individually.

The key to understanding learning should not focus on the brain but rather the whole person in relationship with other whole persons. You’ll never get to the heart of what learning is about by consulting science, safety, engineering or NASA. None of these have any expertise in the nature of human learning. If you want to learn about learning, don’t consult Safety.

In SPoR, we understand persons as having three centres of decision making and being. This makes a huge difference in how we approach risk and safety. This means we move away from the brain-centric myth and focus on whole persons and the many unconscious ways humans make decisions. This also means we stop looking at the Rationalist worldview of learning (https://safetyrisk.net/when-semiotics-show-your-real-agenda-in-safety/) and focus on a holistic approach to decision making.

The brain-centric Rationalist worldview cannot address a holistic approach to life, being and living.

Decision making and judgement is NOT located in what the brain directs.

 Similarly, the Behaviourist worldview that dominates safety, also misses the point. Humans are not the sum of inputs or outputs. This 1930s model of thinking has also been shredded to bits many years ago. Yet, we see that Safety still fills its books with Heinrich and absurd behaviourist ideas that have no research evidence in support.

When we think of how people learn we must look away from the idea that the brain is the centre of learning and start looking at where 95% of all decision-making sits and, it’s NOT in the brain (https://safetyrisk.net/understanding-the-slow-brain-and-fast-mind-in-tackling-risk/).

If you want to know more about how humans really learn and make decisions you can enquire here (admin@spor.com.au) and we can put you in touch with someone to help you learn about learning (who has expertise in learning).