Category: Science

Vizzini The Princess Bride Mike Scott

Issues

June 22, 2024 / / 0 Comments

“Inconceivable”

“You keep using that word.  I do not think it means what you think it means.”

The Princess Bride

Just like the exchange between Vizzini and Inigo in the Princess Bride, there are many words in use today where the speaker does not know the meaning of the words.  Lay it at the feet of multiple issues from the lack of proper education in our schools to the misuses of social media.

Most misused words:

  • Far Right & Left
  • Fascism
  • Socialism
  • Capitalism
  • Democracy
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
  • Wokeness
  • Christian Nationalism
  • Freedom
  • Liberalism
  • Woman & Man (surprised?)
  • Racist

In this series, we will:

  • Review actual definitions versus current misuse
  • Examine the far right and left spectrum and propose something different
  • Compare and contrast anarchy and totalitarianism
  • How has social and main stream media perpetuated these errors?
  • Do the platforms and actions of both major political parties line up with any of these definitions?
  • Analyze how the political spectrum has shifted over time in relationship to political parties

Let’s Review…

May 6, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Our Brains: Lazy Cheats and the Power of Critical Thinking

Hey there, fellow thinkers! Have you ever made a snap decision that turned out to be a total dud? Or found yourself completely convinced of something that was, well, not exactly true? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Our brains are brilliant, but they’re also kind of like that lazy friend who takes shortcuts whenever possible. This can warp our thinking in all sorts of funny ways.

That’s where critical thinking comes in! It’s like a superpower to help us see past our brains’ little cheats and make better decisions in everyday life.

Mental Cheat Codes: Biases and Fallacies

Here’s the thing: our brains love patterns and quick answers. This helps us navigate a complex world, but it also leads to some predictable errors:

  • Cognitive Biases: These are like mental shortcuts. For example, the “confirmation bias” makes us seek out information that supports what we already believe, ignoring evidence that doesn’t. It’s why we can get stuck in social media bubbles!
  • Logical Fallacies: These are like faulty arguments. A classic is the “straw man fallacy,” where we attack a distorted version of someone’s idea instead of their real point. Sound familiar from those heated online debates? 😉

Critical Thinking as a Christian Libertarian

Now, as a Christian libertarian, I believe understanding these brain tricks is super important! Our faith calls us to love God with our minds, not just our emotions. And as libertarians, we value individual responsibility and freedom. That means making informed choices, not just going with the flow or what feels right in the moment.

Critical Thinking in Action

So, how do we put this into practice? Here are some everyday examples:

  • The Viral News Story: Before sharing that juicy headline, ask: Who wrote it? Is the source reliable? Could I be missing another perspective?
  • The Big Purchase: Let’s say those shiny new shoes are calling your name. Could you be falling for the “sunk cost fallacy” (not wanting to ‘waste’ money already spent)? Take a step back and really weigh if they’re worth it.
  • That Argument with a Loved One: Emotions run high! Can you spot any logical fallacies or biases on both sides? Being aware of these helps us move towards understanding, not just winning.

Let’s Get Rational (and Have Some Fun!)

Critical thinking doesn’t mean being a joyless robot. It’s about being more aware, making wiser choices, and yes, spotting silly brain tricks in ourselves and those around us. There’s a playful side to this!

Let’s sharpen those thinking skills and navigate this world with a healthy dose of skepticism and a good-natured chuckle at our own imperfect, ever-fascinating brains.

What are some funny examples of your own brain tricking you? Share below!

Clue Clipart 15

Context Matters !

January 11, 2024 / / 0 Comments

“Literal interpretation without context is not only dangerous but contrary to what the Bible teaches.”

Michael Coren

“The Bible, and the Constitution, cannot mean today what they could never have meant then!”

Me

Why Context Matters: Seeing the Bigger Picture

Imagine a single word painted on a blank canvas. You might interpret it one way, but what if you saw the whole painting? Would your understanding change? Of course it would! That’s the power of context. It provides the crucial framework that allows us to interpret information accurately and meaningfully. Here’s why context matters:

  • Disambiguation: Consider the word “apple.” Without context, it could refer to the fruit, a tech company, or even a type of tree. But knowing whether you’re reading a grocery list, a news article, or a botany textbook clarifies the meaning instantly.
  • Deeper Understanding: Context goes beyond just avoiding confusion. It reveals the why behind the what. Knowing the historical setting of a novel gives depth to the characters’ actions. Understanding the economic climate helps explain a political decision. Context paints the full picture, enriching our understanding of any situation.
  • Avoiding Bias: Without context, it’s easy to jump to conclusions and misinterpret information based on our own biases. But when we consider the circumstances, perspectives, and motivations involved, we can make more objective judgments and avoid preconceived notions.
  • Building Knowledge: Context doesn’t just help us interpret individual pieces of information; it connects them to form a larger web of knowledge. Understanding the context of a scientific discovery allows us to see its place in the evolution of the field. Knowing the historical context of a legal case helps us understand the development of laws. Context bridges the gaps between isolated facts, creating a coherent narrative.
  • Bridging Differences: Context allows us to step outside our own perspectives and understand the viewpoints of others. Knowing the cultural background of a person’s beliefs fosters empathy and helps us overcome cultural misunderstandings. Context allows us to connect with others on a deeper level, even if we don’t agree on everything.

Examples:

  • Misinterpreting a sarcastic joke without considering the speaker’s tone and relationship with the listener.
  • Judging a historical figure based on modern-day values without understanding the social and political context of their time.
  • Making policy decisions based on isolated statistics without considering the wider economic and social factors at play.

In conclusion, context is not just an added detail; it’s the foundation upon which understanding is built. By actively seeking and considering context, we unlock the true meaning of information, avoid misinterpretations, and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of the world around us. Remember, the next time you encounter a piece of information, ask yourself: “What’s the context here?” The answer might just change your entire perspective.

plasma ball illustration
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

What’s the diff?

December 29, 2023 / / 0 Comments

While both “law” and “theory” hold significant roles in science, they serve distinct purposes and differ in several key aspects:

Function:

  • Law: A scientific law describes a relationship or pattern observed consistently under specific conditions. It represents a descriptive aspect of nature, often expressed through a mathematical equation. Think of it as a rule that tells you what happens.
  • Theory: A scientific theory provides a comprehensive explanation for a observed phenomenon, explaining why it happens the way it does. It’s a framework that builds upon and integrates multiple laws and observations to give a deeper understanding. Think of it as a story that explains the rule.

Certainty:

  • Law: Laws are considered highly reliable and generally accepted as unchanging because they’ve been repeatedly verified through various experiments and observations. However, even laws can be refined or superseded by new discoveries.
  • Theory: Theories are evolving concepts, subject to refinement and potential refutation with new evidence or understanding. They are always open to revision based on further research and exploration.

Scope:

  • Law: Laws are often narrower in scope, focusing on specific, well-defined relationships. For example, Newton’s law of universal gravitation describes the force between objects.
  • Theory: Theories have a broader scope, encompassing and explaining a wider range of phenomena. For example, the theory of evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.

While both “law” and “theory” hold significant roles in science, they serve distinct purposes and differ in several key aspects:

Function:

  • Law: A scientific law describes a relationship or pattern observed consistently under specific conditions. It represents a descriptive aspect of nature, often expressed through a mathematical equation. Think of it as a rule that tells you what happens.
  • Theory: A scientific theory provides a comprehensive explanation for a observed phenomenon, explaining why it happens the way it does. It’s a framework that builds upon and integrates multiple laws and observations to give a deeper understanding. Think of it as a story that explains the rule.

Certainty:

  • Law: Laws are considered highly reliable and generally accepted as unchanging because they’ve been repeatedly verified through various experiments and observations. However, even laws can be refined or superseded by new discoveries.
  • Theory: Theories are evolving concepts, subject to refinement and potential refutation with new evidence or understanding. They are always open to revision based on further research and exploration.

Scope:

  • Law: Laws are often narrower in scope, focusing on specific, well-defined relationships. For example, Newton’s law of universal gravitation describes the force between objects.
  • Theory: Theories have a broader scope, encompassing and explaining a wider range of phenomena. For example, the theory of evolution explains the diversity of life on Earth.

Example:

Consider the relationship between pressure and volume in a gas. Boyle’s law describes this relationship, stating that at a constant temperature, the pressure and volume of a gas are inversely proportional. This law tells us “what happens” – if the pressure increases, the volume decreases. However, the kinetic theory of gases explains “why” this happens – it tells us about the constant movement of gas particles and how collisions with the container walls create pressure.

In summary:

  • Laws: Reliable “what happens” descriptions, unchanging but open to refinement.
  • Theories: Evolving “why it happens” explanations, subject to revision and broader in scope.

Both laws and theories are crucial to science, providing different layers of understanding and guiding further exploration. While laws offer predictable descriptions, theories delve into the mechanisms and principles behind those descriptions, ultimately painting a more complete picture of the natural world.

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