So science is precarious, built on relative, probable truths that can be negated by a single counter-example. Historically, this has been known as the problem of induction, but more recently, a man named Nassim Taleb has re-awakened our skepticism with several engaging books, the most successful of which is entitled, The Black Swan.
In that tome, and his related works, he makes a compelling case for doubting what we know and what is knowable. He goes on to apply these insights into varied aspects of modern life, including epidemiology and high-finance with policy prescriptions for individuals and governments alike.
