We are often more certain than the evidence really allows.
More quotes“We have one remaining place.”
“Candidate A scored highest under the allocation rule.”
“Before we decide, listen to this recording from Candidate B.”
A child describes pain, missed school and being unable to play with friends.
“Can Candidate A speak?”
“We have no recording.”
“Can the other candidates?”
“No.”
“How many are waiting?”
“Fourteen.”
“Do their files contain the same information?”
“They contain clinical details and scores.”
“Any stories?”
“Only B’s family submitted one.”
The recording is played again.
Someone says the case feels urgent. Someone else says all fourteen cases were classified as urgent. The word “feels” remains in the minutes.
“Could we interview everyone?”
“By when?”
“Before allocation.”
“That would delay the place.”
“Then can we ignore what we heard?”
Nobody answers immediately.
The rule ranks A first. The recording makes B present in a way the other thirteen cannot become during the discussion.
A proposal is made to record every child next time. The secretary asks who will listen to fourteen recordings and how differences in age, language and parental help will be handled.
The vote is postponed for ten minutes.
Candidate A’s file shows a score, initials and a date. Candidate B’s file now has the same fields plus a voice everyone in the room remembers.