In the 20th Century, the philosopher Karl Popper drew the boundaries of demarcation between science and pseudoscience in terms of falsification. Exactly what Popper did and did not mean by falsification can be disputed. But the history of the philosophy of science throughout the 20th century has at leats taught us that distinguishing warranted and unwarranted claims … Continue reading Epistemology and COVID 19
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Ohio’s Free Speech on Campus Bill
The Ohio has recently passed Senate Bill 40 , aka "Forming Open and Robust University Minds Act". It will most likely be signed by the governor, thus creating a State Law to protect the free speech clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution at Ohio public universities. The bill would bring an end … Continue reading Ohio’s Free Speech on Campus Bill
Xi Jinping Thought
I came across this podcast on China on The Financial Times site. It's a little less than 20 minutes long and worth the listen (if you don't have a subscription to The Financial Times you can probably register for free articles to have a listen). I certainly don't bill myself as a China expert, but nevertheless I was … Continue reading Xi Jinping Thought
What is evolutionary social theory?
With summer now officially here, I have been able to turn my attention towards beginning my book project on evolutionary social theory. I now have a draft of about one third or so of my first chapter. The actual draft is a bit longer. I've taken out some of the more extensive background discussion of … Continue reading What is evolutionary social theory?
Updates on the Links Page
I've been in the process of compiling useful and informative links for this site. I have it broken into four categories: News and General Commentary Useful Academic Resources Higher Ed and Assessment Martial Arts and Fitness I've linked to sites that in my view have something to say that is worth reading in the context of political … Continue reading Updates on the Links Page
Three Worlds of Evolutionary Economics
I've been thinking for quite some time about a possible book length research project, which I envision will take approximately 2 years to get to a state where I would have a manuscript to submit to a publisher. As I have been thinking through possible directions and problems, I have settled on the following as … Continue reading Three Worlds of Evolutionary Economics
In Defense of a Modest Scientism
Not surprisingly, Steven Pinker's new book, Enlightenment Now , has already generated significant controversy. Since I haven't read the book yet, I won't comment on the book itself. Suffice it to say, it does seem that Pinker's critics (see for example here and here ) are raising some valid points in arguing that Pinker has oversimplified … Continue reading In Defense of a Modest Scientism
Chapters IV, V and VI
In today's entry, I will finish my initial summary and analysis of The Economic Consequences of the Peace. My hope is that by Sunday evening I will have at least bare bones sketch of my presentation for our Faculty Festival of Achievement. And with my colleague's permission, I will post both my presentation and his. … Continue reading Chapters IV, V and VI
On Democrats and Civil Liberties
I'm still thinking through the implications of the turn to Hansen's secular stagnation thesis and I plan to get back to it this weekend when I've had some time to ponder a few issues. For today however, I'm going to switch tracks a little bit to talk about Democrats, Republicans, gun control, civil liberties and … Continue reading On Democrats and Civil Liberties
