In a recent post, I critique the often nonsensical idea of “doing your own research.” You know, the person who says “Those professional biologists have some ideas about biological evolution but I have my own opinions about that!” Continue reading Critical Thinking
Monthly Archives: October 2021
Summary of “Longtermism” and “Existential Risk”
Phil Torres recently published “The Dangerous Ideas of “Longtermism” and “Existential Risk” in Current Affairs. The essay’s thesis is that so-called rationalists have created a disturbing secular religion that Continue reading Summary of “Longtermism” and “Existential Risk”
The Monopoly Experiment: Wealthy People Are More Selfish
Does having more money make a person more inclined to share their wealth with others and acknowledge their good fortune? No. Research suggests precisely the opposite. Continue reading The Monopoly Experiment: Wealthy People Are More Selfish
The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
A friend alerted me to an interview with Kathryn Paige Harden, a psychology professor at the University of Texas at Austin. The interview concerns her new book The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality. Continue reading The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn’s: “Ars Vitae”
A reader alerted me to a new book, Ars Vitae: The Fate of Inwardness and the Return of the Ancient Arts of Living. The author is Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn, a professor of history and senior research associate at the Campbell Public Affairs Institute, Syracuse University. Continue reading Elisabeth Lasch-Quinn’s: “Ars Vitae”