Oversimplification
The map of the world is a familiar image. But a closer look at this one reveals that it is lacking detail. For example, a number of large islands are absent, including the British Isles, Japan, and the island where I grew up, Newfoundland. The continent of Antarctica has been omitted. Furthermore, Greenland and Ellesmere Island are joined, while North and South America are disconnected. Still, the map does give a general idea of the shape of the continents (except of course Antarctica). And it's certainly better than I could draw! The map is a simplification. But is it an oversimplification? Here I want to take a general look at oversimplification because it has broad relevance and raises some subtle questions. Maps provide a convenient example and raise some issues that turn up elsewhere. In particular, I'm going to focus on how oversimplified ideas gain traction in our society, as illustrated by three popular nonfiction books. Although the world map above simplifies a number ...