Decision Making Under Uncertainty

by Mykel J. Kochenderfer
Decision Making Under Uncertainty cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Technical
  • ID: 5235
  • Added: 2025-10-22
  • Updated: 2025-10-22
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
indigo.ca · Unknown · 2025-10-24
comprehensive 4.00

The book provides a comprehensive overview of decision-making under uncertainty, blending theory with practical applications. It is praised for its clarity and relevance to real-world scenarios, though some may find the mathematical models challenging.

Decision Making Under Uncertainty offers a thorough exploration of the theoretical frameworks and practical applications of decision-making in uncertain environments. The book is lauded for its clear explanations and the way it bridges the gap between abstract theory and real-world decision-making processes. Readers appreciate the practical examples and case studies that illustrate the concepts discussed. However, some readers note that the mathematical models and statistical analyses presented can be quite complex and may require a solid foundation in these areas to fully grasp. Overall, the book is seen as a valuable resource for professionals and academics looking to enhance their decision-making skills in uncertain situations.

Quick quotes

    The book provides a comprehensive overview of decision-making under uncertainty.

    It is praised for its clarity and relevance to real-world scenarios.

    Some may find the mathematical models challenging.

abebooks.com · Unknown · 2025-10-24
excellent 4.50

Endure by Alex Hutchinson is a compelling read for endurance athletes, blending the latest research on physiology and psychology to provide practical insights. The book is well-referenced and engaging, offering a realistic picture of how the mind and body work together during endurance sports.

Endure by Alex Hutchinson is a book that any endurance athlete or someone curious about improving their performance should read. Hutchinson has done an excellent job of collating the latest research on both the physiological and psychological aspects of endurance sports. What makes this book stand out is how he presents this information in a way that is both compelling and easy to understand. He explains the debates between biologists, physiologists, and psychologists about how our bodies work during endurance sports and then focuses on the individual limiters to improved performance, such as pain, muscle, oxygen, heat, thirst, and fuel. He also looks at the elements attempting to bypass those limiters, like training the brain and mental skills. The book is well-referenced but in an unobtrusive way, ensuring that readers get the latest well-researched evidence without feeling like they are wading through dense academic material. One of the highlights of the book is Hutchinson's involvement in the Nike Breaking2 project, which provides real-world insights into how research translates into practice. This reminds us that real-life races are much more complicated than controlled lab environments and that managing unique interferences is key to enduring more speed or distance. Overall, Endure offers a much more realistic picture of what happens in our bodies where the mind and body work together, rather than as separate systems as older books have suggested.

Quick quotes

    This is absolutely the book I wish I’d written.

    He explains the debates between the biologists, physiologists and psychologists as to how our bodies work when we are attempting endurance sport and then focuses on the individual limiters to improved performance; pain, muscle, oxygen, heat, thirst and fuel.

    Hutchinson neatly merges the two giving a much more (I believe) realistic picture of what happens in our bodies where the mind and body work (in the main) together rather than as separate systems as older-fashioned books have suggested.

dl.acm.org · Unknown · 2025-10-24
brilliant 4.50

The book explores the fascinating interplay between the mind and body in endurance, challenging the notion of fixed limits. It delves into the controversial concept of the central governor, which regulates performance, and discusses the impact of diet on endurance, particularly the debate around high-fat, low-carb diets. The author presents compelling evidence and personal anecdotes to illustrate how the brain can push the body beyond perceived boundaries, making it a must-read for athletes and anyone interested in human performance.

Alex Hutchinson's 'Endure' is a captivating exploration of the mind's role in endurance performance. The book challenges the idea that our physical limits are fixed, instead arguing that the brain plays a crucial role in determining how far we can push ourselves. One of the most intriguing concepts discussed is the central governor, a theoretical mechanism in the brain that regulates effort and performance. Hutchinson presents compelling evidence and personal anecdotes to illustrate how this governor can either hold us back or propel us to new heights. For instance, he recounts the experience of athletes who, despite feeling utterly spent, find a sudden burst of energy at the finish line, demonstrating the brain's ability to override physical exhaustion. The book also delves into the contentious topic of diet and endurance, particularly the debate around high-fat, low-carb diets. Hutchinson acknowledges the popularity of these diets but ultimately concludes that a high-carb diet is more beneficial for endurance athletes. He cites studies and expert opinions to support this conclusion, making a strong case for the importance of carbohydrates in fueling prolonged physical activity. Overall, 'Endure' is a thought-provoking and informative read that offers valuable insights into the complex interplay between the mind and body in endurance performance. It's a must-read for athletes, coaches, and anyone interested in understanding the limits of human potential.

Quick quotes

    The brain’s role in endurance is, perhaps, the single most controversial topic in sports science.

    He spends a lot of time talking about the idea of the central governor, the part of our brain that holds us back or helps us set records, and whether or not it’s a real thing.

    On the topic of high carb diets, Hutchinson concludes,

Appears in Lists