Posted inPhilosophy
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).…
Posted inFun
We made “noteworthy”
Which is one step below "honourable mention", which itself is just under the actual winner. Or, in other words, we lost. Several months ago Roger Kimball instituted a contest: Name…
Posted inStatistics
The Pathetic Madonna
The insane level of self-regard and idiotic self-indulgent behavior we accept from our celebrities should embarrass us. There will always be utterly spoiled brats, but that these blots on humanity…
Posted inFun Philosophy
Roger Kimball’s Challenge
The famous writer Roger Kimball has issued a challenge: Name the silliest argument to be offered by a serious academic in the last 25 years and to be taken up…
Posted inStatistics
On the difference between mathematical ability between boys and girls
Today's headlines mostly got it wrong: The New York Sun said "Study Shatters Myth That Boys Are Better At Math." The New York Post said "Girls = boys in math…
Posted inFun Philosophy
A Rhetorical Question
A tip of the hat to Dennis Dutton's Arts and Letters Daily where this article from the Chronicle of Higher Education appeared. Incidentally, since the Chronicle bought out A&LD, there…
Posted inPhilosophy
Variant on a theme
We, dear readers, have earlier dealt with the nonsensical argument, of which an Enlightened few are excessively fond, "There is no truth." This is an argument often employed by those…
Posted inPhilosophy
Will Smith on reprogramming Hitler
Roger Kimball, in his blog, has an entry on the actor Will Smith's "Reprogramming Hitler" comments. The subject is benevolence. It is well worth reading. A quote: "The Australian philosopher…
