The preparedness paradox is the proposition that when a society or an individual acts effectively to reduce the harm of a potential disaster, such as a pandemic or a natural disaster, the danger that was avoided ends up being perceived as having been much less serious than it actually was, simply because the resulting damage was limited. The paradox lies in the mistaken belief that careful preparation was never really needed, when in fact the limited harm was itself the product of that preparation; several cognitive biases can consequently make it harder to properly prepare for risks still to come.
Facts
Partially Attested
First Described YearSource says only that the term has been used occasionally since at least 1949, in military and financial contexts; this is not a dated first description of the present concept. Core ClaimWhen a disaster is effectively mitigated, the avoided danger is perceived as much less serious because of the limited damage it actually caused 1 Classification
Type of Phenomenon Connections
In Branch
Source Wikipedia: Preparedness paradox
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Preparedness paradox
Lead paragraph, sentence 1
the avoided danger will be perceived as having been much less serious because of the limited damage actually caused
Background, sentence 1
has been used occasionally since at least 1949
lead section, phenomenon-kind classification
Several cognitive biases can consequently hamper proper preparation for future risks.
In Branch: Cognitive Psychology, Categories
Wikipedia article 'Preparedness paradox' is filed under Category:Cognitive biases.
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