Logic
2008
We've all heard the phrase "Correlation doesn't imply causation."
But that depends on which definition of "imply" one is using.
From Dictionary.com, imply:
1. to indicate or suggest without being explicitly stated:
"His words implied a lack of faith."
3. to involve as a necessary circumstance:
"Speech implies a speaker."
Definition #3 is the one used in logic.
The statement "Correlation doesn't imply causation" is true
when this definition of imply is used.
But the statement is not necessarily true if definition #1 is applied.
In that case, correlation often does imply (indicate or suggest) causation.
If it didn't, humans would have almost nothing to go on,
as to where to focus their scientific efforts.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
Psychology
8/2/23
Sigmund Freud
Neurologist and the founder of Psychoanalysis
The Id, the Ego, and the Superego
We use "ego" in the vernacular today
to mean something quite different
than how Freud intended it to be used.
Freud's model helps us understand what is likely going wrong
in the minds of those who are so easily manipulated by the Oligarchs;
and is therefore, extremely important and necessary to understand
if we are to have any hope of turning the tide of battle.
RELATED INFO ...
I found the diagram below and noticed the correlation between
the 3 indicated areas and Freud's 3 divisions of the psyche.
The Neocortex would be Freud's ego.
The Limbic Brain would be Freud's superego.
And the Reptilian Brain would be Freud's id.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
3/13/22
Robert Reich admits to a whole list of things he got wrong
about the 21
st century ... who convinced him?
Putin and Trump
This story is in the Rationalism category because it demonstrates
one of the most powerful weapons that Rationalists possess ...
That rare ability to admit when we are wrong.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
12/10/21
If you've ever wondered what the term "Gaslighting" means
you won't find a better example than ...
the "Birds Aren't Real" movement
Gaslighting is psychological manipulation that causes the victim(s) to doubt reality.
It is one of the tools that has become a favorite of American Conservatives;
and it was best exemplified by one ... Donald J. Trump.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
3/9/20
Here is a worldwide epidemic far more dangerous than the Corona Virus
"Never admit you're wrong" (2 pages)
Incidentally, while Trump supporters provide one of the best examples around,
this epidemic, sadly, infects WAY more people than just conservatives.
Anyone who has failed to get their ego under control (in other words, failed to "grow up")
is probably afflicted with this severe mental disorder which is nearly impossible to cure.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
9/17/18
Researchers divide people into 4 basic personality types
The "Average" category was described thusly:
"
Average people are high in neuroticism and extraversion, while low in openness.
I would expect that the typical person would be in this cluster."
So I looked up the definition of neuroticism:
"
Individuals who score high on neuroticism are more likely than average
to be moody and to experience such feelings as ...
anxiety, worry, fear, anger, frustration, envy, jealousy, guilt, depressed mood, and loneliness."
HOUSTON !!!!!!
I think we've found the problem!
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
5/18/17
Motivated Ignorance ...
explained
I would take that excellent analysis one step further and add
that the mental disorder of being unwilling to admit they are wrong
is an even more powerful factor than motivated ignorance
because that explains why they refuse to change their beliefs
even when confronted with overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
1/20/17
Psychologists are joining in the battle
to confront the insanity now gripping humanity.
The attack on enlightenment values
Whenever you are searching for an answer
the surest way to find the correct solution is to follow the money.
The masses are being manipulated,
and by the same group that has manipulated them
since the beginning of modern civilization 10,000 years ago ... the Oligarchs.
Oligarchs use well-understood techniques of brainwashing and mind control
to achieve the transfer of as much wealth as possible
from the masses, into their offshore bank accounts.
And science, logic, facts, and scientists ... are not good for business
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
11/19/11
How to defend yourself against ...
psychological projection
The tactic of projection is learned by kids on every playground in America by the third grade.
Sadly, it is so successful, that it often gets carried into adulthood, where ...
it works just as well!
Since this tactic makes up the majority of attacks that a rationalist will experience,
it is imperative that we learn how to deal with these infantile, but very effective, attacks.
As the lady said ... "Don't let them get away with it."
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2009
"
Stoicism teaches the development of self-control and fortitude
as a means of overcoming destructive emotions;
the philosophy holds that becoming a clear and unbiased thinker
allows one to understand the universal reason.
A primary aspect of Stoicism involves improving
the individual's ethical and moral well-being:
'Virtue consists in a will that is in agreement with Nature.'
This principle also applies to the realm of interpersonal relationships;
'to be free from anger, envy, and jealousy,'
and to accept even slaves as equals of other men,
because all men alike are products of nature."
From its founding, Stoic doctrine was popular
with a following in Greece and throughout the Roman Empire —
including the Emperor Marcus Aurelius ...
Now, here is the pertinent part:
"
until the closing of all philosophy schools in 529 AD
by order of the Emperor Justinian I,
who perceived their pagan character
as being at odds with the Christian faith."
Yep, those ideals were certainly at odds with Christian teaching all right.
The result?
The period that followed was known as "The Dark Ages"
and lasted more than 1,000 years.
It was an era of horrible oppression and unspeakable terror.
Since "The Enlightenment," religion has been viciously enforcing
its control over society in an attempt to cling to power.
With the advent of the internet,
the Enlightenment now has the most powerful weapon, it has ever had.
Stay tuned ... things are just starting to get interesting.
Read more about Stoicism
So how did such a vile worldview like Christianity, overtake and destroy Stoicism?
By combining violence, terrorism, and murder with the threat of eternal torture
against any who dared to challenge them.
They got their first big break when Emperor Constantine elevated the cult
to the status of the offical religion of the Roman Empire.
Then, as pointed out in the article above,
200 years later they cemented their power by destroying their enemies.
Rational thinking was forced into hiding for over a thousand years.
And ever since Rationalism resurfaced,
it has faced a constant battle for survival.
Human history is a shameful disgrace.
We have brought animal extinction
and human destruction wherever we have gone.
The evil religions (omitting Buddhism, for example)
have controlled the Earth for millennia.
But Stoicism lives on through the Rationalists.
The internet is the weapon we have waited for, for over 2,300 years.
We cannot afford to fail humanity again.
We cannot lose again because ...
we may not get another chance
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
Science
2007
Scientific failure can sometimes contribute as much as success,
to the advancement of human knowledge.
Scientific failures plant big red flags at the front of tunnels
warning people that this tunnel leads nowhere,
and that their time and effort would be better spent elsewhere.
One example would be the great scientist, Isaac Newton,
who explored the alchemy tunnel so we don't have to.
Lesson: Honest scientific endeavor is never in vain ... even in failure.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
1989
If you are in the mood to enjoy one of the worst ass-whoopins in literary history,
see what happens when some dude tried to tangle with Isaac Asimov ...
The relativity of wrong
So ... is the Earth flat?
As brilliant, entertaining, and educational as Asimov's reply was,
the Earth can only be considered "flat" in some places
and even then, only when viewed from its surface.
When viewed from outer space,
which allows the whole planet to been seen in its entirety,
it is clearly not flat, but an ...
oblate spheroid
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
Quacks & Frauds
1/26/20
This story is a sign of how far America has fallen down the rabbit hole
when it comes to gullibility and critical thinking:
Psychics given credit for finding missing teen
Most agreed?
In a neighboring county?
Are you kidding me?
Is this a joke?
In the last century, IQ's in America have risen by about 30 points
and illiteracy has been reduced by a factor of 10.
Yet amazingly, many people have still found a way ...
to get even dumber
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
9/25/17
Big Business continues its takeover of our educational system.
The University of California at Irvine has sold out its academic integrity.
How much did they get in exchange? How much was their integrity worth?
$200 million
Remember a few years back when the Koch Brothers were exposed
for doing the same thing at the economics department at Florida State University?
And then we learned that the Brothers have been very busy indeed,
taking control of collegiate economics departments all over America
by offering large donations in return for control over curriculum and personnel.
Well ... it's like that
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
1/2/16
'Alternative Medicine' is a name coined by con artists
to add legitimacy to their fraudulent practices.
It is for the same reason that religious believers call their invisible ghosts ... gods.
The old name for Alternative Medicine was accurate enough ... quackery.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
6/17/14
Dr. Oz
I've been waiting for this for a long time ...
Dr. Oz finally got his ass cooked ... in the Senate
If it were up to me, Oz would be sharing a cell and shower facilities with ...
Kevin Trudeau
So how does America reward its biggest charlatans, liars, and quacks?
With oodles and oodles of money ... and fame (2:40)
(and the show "The Doctors" isn't much better)
UPDATE - 4/21/15
Registered quack (Dr. Oz) will fight back to preserve his empire ...
and keep the flow of money from fools ... rolling in
Quote from Oz: "We provide multiple points of view, including mine
which is offered without
conflict of interest.
That doesn’t sit well with certain agendas which
distort the facts.”
That quote from Oz reminds me of the old story
about the wife who comes home from work unexpectedly,
and catches her husband in bed having sex with their hot young neighbor.
When the wife protests, her husband simply denies that they are having sex.
The wife says "But I just saw you - I mean, I can see you!"
Her husband continues to deny they are having sex.
Confused and befuddled, the wife leaves the room and returns to work.
THAT, my friends ... is Dr. Oz
But wait - don't leave yet ... it gets better!
You'll never believe which network Dr. Oz
is pitching his products on now, with an hour-long show ...
That's right ... Fox!
Where else can you find a bigger audience of gullible morons than on Fox?
This sounds like a match made in Heaven.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2014
Of all the people in the world,
who do you think has made the most money off quantum physics?
Niels Bohr? Paul Dirac? Richard Feynman? Werner Heisenberg?
Maybe John von Neumann? Max Planck? Or even Erwin Schrodinger?
Not even close.
That honor belongs to a mind far more powerful than any of those listed above ...
Deepak Chopra
Here is a picture of him when he was young
And here is a picture of Deepak as he looks today
Oh well, I guess the anti-aging thing didn't work out so well for him,
but quantum physics has made him filthy rich,
so at least he won't go away empty-handed ...
(I just wish he would go away)
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
11/20/13
Psychic Sylvia Browne
Sylvia Browne remains the epitome of consistency ...
she hasn't gotten one right yet
Sylvia died at age 77 (11 years before the age ... she predicted)
That article made me gag. It sounded like it was written by her agent.
I don't have respect for the dead when, while alive,
they did nothing to earn that respect.
Good riddance to bad garbage ... rot in peace.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2013
The Burzynski Cancer Clinic files a DMCA to force a video off YouTube. Why?
Watch and find out (9:39)
UPDATE
(It looks like they've used some of their vast resources
to also remove the video above
which would have told you why they forced a video off YouTube)
Take your pick
Whenever you are trying to figure out which side the "bad guys" are on,
look to see which side is trying desperately to shut the other side up.
That is always a dead giveaway
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
1987
In 1987 chiropractors (and other quacks)
won a big victory over the American Medical Association,
ushering in an era of legalized quackery.
Stripped of government protection, the public was now left to fend for itself.
While this sounds bad, it could be turned into a blessing in disguise
if it forces the masses to develop the rational thinking skills necessary
to defend themselves from frauds.
Wilk vs. American Medical Association - 1987
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
Stupidity
1/19/16
The state of American education is dismal.
Here is one example
If nearly 10% of recent college grads believe
that Judge Judy is on the Supreme Court,
I would hate to find out how high the percentage is
among the rest of the population.
This one is even more depressing
If 10% believe Judge Judy sits on the Supreme Court
and 25% believe the Sun circles the Earth,
then we need to desperately hope ...
that these two groups include the same people.
This is how they go through life ...
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2015
Scientists say that the Earth is being endangered
by a new strain of fact-resistant humans
By Andy Borowitz
A sobering new study reports that ...
"
Scientists have discovered a powerful new strain of fact-resistant humans
who are threatening the ability of Earth to sustain life.
The research, conducted by the University of Minnesota,
identifies a virulent strain of humans
who are virtually immune to any form of verifiable knowledge,
leaving scientists at a loss as to how to combat them."
Davis Logsdon, one of the scientists who contributed to the study, said ...
"
These humans appear to have all the faculties necessary
to receive and process information, and yet, somehow,
they have developed defenses that, for all intents and purposes,
have rendered those faculties totally inactive.
More worryingly, as facts have multiplied,
their defenses against those facts have only grown more powerful."
My Reply to Andy Borowitz:
Unfortunately Mr. Borowitz, it seems as though nearly every one of them ...
has been given my email address
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
10/27/14
I sent the following email to a science writer who was reporting on a story
about a petition circulated by scientists, against ...
Brain Games (4 pages)
I wasn't defending "Brain Games."
I couldn't defend or attack them because the petition was so poorly written
that it didn't specify which claims were being challenged.
I was attacking the scientists who made general, vague accusations.
As scientists, they should have known better. Then I found this ...
One type of "brain game" that does improve mental functioning
So I sent a followup email:
"This study, published in PNAS, gives a great example of why
you should have been more specific when you were attacking "Brain Games."
You need to specify which claims were excessive or untrue,
otherwise you are simply mounting an assault on thinking."
(they didn't reply before, so I expect they'll ignore this one too)
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
10/22/12
6 Italian scientists sentenced to 6 years in prison for ...
not predicting an earthquake!
Why weren't any psychics convicted?
Why weren't any clergy convicted? (they claim to talk to God)
Instead, they convicted the ones who admit they can't predict earthquakes.
I vote that we all boycott Pizza until the conviction is overturned.
(On second thought, let's just boycott Roman Gladiator movies).
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
Anti-Vaxxers
12/2/19
Dozens die in Samoa (mostly children) from Measles outbreak ...
Vaccinations ordered
At least Samoa is fighting back ...
something we don't see happening in America.
In fact, in an attempt to court the most gullible people in America,
Republicans are passing bills protecting antivax idiots.
Take your pick
Thought I was joking, didn't ya?
Republicans recruit from the very bottom of the intellectual barrel.
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2/22/19
I had thought that,
dangerous anti-vax nonsense
stretched across both ends of the political spectrum.
But no longer ...
Apparently, in an attempt to increase their dwindling base
by appealing to the most gullible voters,
the Republicans have decided to own it.
Arizona Republicans push dangerous anti-vax bills
It's amazing how low an entire political party can sink.
But if treason didn't embarrass them ...
why would a bunch of dead kids?
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
12/1/17
Anti-vaxxers can strike anywhere, even in the most advanced nations ...
like Japan
That story sounded like it came straight out of the U.S., didn't it?
It proves that idiocy knows no racial, gender, or national boundaries.
Battle Stations!
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
9/8/14
Jenny McCarthy's child didn't develop autism because of a vaccine -
that has been conclusively ruled out by scientific research.
The evidence indicates that, in most cases, autism is inherited.
However, parents do not have to be helpless bystanders.
They can have a dramatic impact on the severity of their child's autism.
But this requires a huge investment of time and love;
something that not all parents are willing, or able, to provide.
Helping kids with autism
McCarthy tried desperately to put the blame
for her son's condition on the medical profession.
Using false correlations, McCarthy could have just as well tried to blame anyone ...
But the evidence implicates, not the medical profession, but the parent's genetics;
and the study you just read heaps more blame, not on the medical field,
but on McCarthy herself, who could have done so much more,
but chose instead, to invest her time in a glamorous career.
So maybe the real motivation behind McCarthy's crusade is ... guilt?
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
11/15/13
Chicken Pox Parties
My official statement:
Any parent who intentionally gets their child infected with chicken pox,
or any other communicable disease,
should have their children taken from them,
and those parents should be sent to Federal Prison.
After their release, they should be prohibited from ever raising children again.
(Unofficially ... you don't want to know what I really think should be done to them)
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
6/1/13
How to go from hero to scum ... the story of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy spreading anti-vax propaganda
When I saw Kennedy's work in the movie "The Last Mountain"
I believed him to be a true American hero.
As an environmental lawyer he is quite well qualified in environmental issues.
But like so many others, Kennedy assumes that his expertise in one field
automatically makes him an expert in other fields.
By that, I mean that he overrules the scientific consensus
in a field in which he is not qualified.
That is the very definition of arrogance.
Now he spreads the pseudoscientific lies of the anti-vax movement.
There is no one sitting on Death Row, in any state,
who is responsible for more deaths than Jenny McCarthy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
And another hero has fallen
(No, I didn't mean Jenny McCarthy - I was thinking of Linus Pauling)
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)
2/15/13
Okay, I admit it.
This slam against anti-vaxxers is a blatant steal from the web site of
The Friendly Atheist
But Hemant's comment was just too funny, not to steal:
"
Remember polio?
Cases of polio have decreased 99% since 1988.
It’s been eradicated in the U.S.
Do you think it’s because God was all of a sudden bored ...
with crippling young kids? "
permanent link
(click here first, then copy from address bar above)