Here is how peer review roughly works. An author sends a paper to a journal. An editor nearly always sends the paper on to two or more referees. The referees read the […]
What appeal to authority means and what it doesn’t
This article is meant to be the first is a small series of demonstrations of how not and how to argue for or against climate activism. The level of argumentation on the […]
Theory confirmation and disconfirmation
Time for an incomplete mini-lesson on theory confirmation and disconfirmation. Suppose you have a theory, or model, about how some thing works. That thing might be global warming, stock market prices, stimulating […]
How not to argue for stem cell research
I received this press release from the Center for Inquiry (CFI), a group that grew out of the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (or CSICOP). I receive […]
Just what are falling temperatures evidence of?
If increasing temperatures are consistent with or are evidence of global warming, what theory is consistent with or evidence of falling temperatures? Global warming, too? We have to ask this complicated question […]
Mark Twain
There are people who strictly deprive themselves of each and every eatable, drinkable and smokable which has in any way acquired a shady reputation. They pay this price for health. And health […]
Schumer’s Fairness Doctrine fatuity
First listen to the appalling Chuck Schumer responding to a question about the proposed Fairness Doctrine (link from Unfair Doctrine): Let’s summarize. He said: I think we should all try to be […]
Michael Crichton and SETI
Michael Crichton, as you will have heard by now, is dead. Unfortunately. The Wall Street Journal today reprinted an excerpt of a speech Crichton gave called “Aliens Cause Global Warming.” Regular readers […]
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