Posted inFun
Reader Poll: Mayan Apocalypse, For or Against?
In just over a week, on 21 December, it will be the glorious End of Times or it will be just over a week from today. Which is to be…
Posted inCulture Statistics
What Can We Learn From A Crude Model Of Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
It's Statistical Modeling Day, so let's look at one dealing with sexually transmitted diseases. Why this subject? Well, according to New York's CBS 2, "Study Shows Soaring STD Rates In…
Posted inFun Philosophy
Transhumanists Gather In San Francisco
My first thought when I read the title of today's post (from Bioedge) was that it was some kind of warning. Look out! It's the transhumanists! And then I figured…
The Superpower I’d Most Like To Have
This is written in earnest; my desire is sincere. And not uncommon: I mean, the longing for a superpower and the announcing of same are not rare. No less than…
Posted inFun Philosophy
Sam Harris & William Lane Craig Duke It Out
The debate question was: Are the foundations of moral values natural or supernatural? Winner? By acclamation Harris, but then the deck was stacked against Lane because the event was held…
Posted inPhilosophy Statistics
What Does The Regression Equation Mean? Causality? Something Else?
Saw this tweet this fine morning: https://twitter.com/MarkThoma/status/276542962622668800 and downloaded the paper at the landing site, co-authored by Judea Pearl, he of Causality fame (a recommended book). Pearl and a co-author…
Posted inPhilosophy
Two Oregon Academics Attempt Logic Lesson, Fail Miserably
Bertrand Russell said: "People are zealous for a cause when they are not quite positive that it is true." I think this false and even scurrilous. The zealous are nothing…
Posted inCulture Philosophy
National Catholic Reporter Calls For Ordination Of Women
The NCR, the Catholic equivalent of the New York Times, ended their teasing yesterday and came right out and said it. "Catholic women who have discerned a call to the…