Posted inCulture Philosophy
The Closing Of The Scientific Mind
The title was swiped from Commentary Magazine's piece of the same name by David Gelernter, which all should read. Since today is a busy day at the Briggs Ranch, just…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
The One-True-Religion Fallacy. (It’s Not What You Think)
At the end of the eponymous movie, the slave army led by gladiator-cum-general Spartacus (Kirk Dougla) lies defeated before the creator of the First Triumvirate, General Marcus Licinius Crassus (Laurence…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
A Common Fallacy In Global Warming Arguments
Our post today is provided by Terry Oldberg, M.S.E., M.S.E.E., P.E. Engineer-Scientist, Citizen of the U.S. That's a lot of letters, Terry! Oldberg joined our Spot the Fallacy Contest, which…
Posted inCulture Philosophy Statistics
Monday Mail
Inbox I'm several hundred emails behind. This weekend, always the slowest of the year, allowed me to catch up some. I appreciate very much all the missives and apologize if…
Posted inBook review Philosophy
Author Says Machines Will Take Over The World
At the Singularity awaits The Beast. Or so says James Barrat in Our Final Invention: Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era (Yours Truly only read the free…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
Good Ways Of Speaking About Truth
"Quid est veritas?" Pilate asked. Famously, his interlocutor did not answer, perhaps because Pilate didn't give Him the chance. Then Pilate may have been (understandably) addled because the Answer was…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
Precaution: Part I — Guest Post by J.C. Hanekamp
The can things with the sharp little edges That can cut your fingers when you're not looking The soft little things on the floor that you step on They can…
Posted inCulture Philosophy
The Year Of Faith: What Strange Things People Believe
What better way to start the Year of Faith than with this headline: Experts: Global warming means more Antarctic ice This was atop an article penned Seth Borenstein, who noticed…
