We all need to know what causes things to occur in order to survive. We need this information to avoid bad outcomes and achieve good ones. For example, if don't we accept that drinking foul water causes stomach upsets, then we are likely to suffer, if not die. However, the teasing out of what causes … Continue reading Of Correlation and Causation
Author: stevemale
Evidence for Evidence
In an earlier post, "How Can We Gain Knowledge" (May 2020), I argued that the primary, if not only, way we can justify our knowledge or belief is by the evidence that supports the knowledge or belief. However not all evidence is of equal worth, so what makes some evidence better than others. Confirmability: if … Continue reading Evidence for Evidence
Living in the Real Uncertain World
I have previously outlined why we can't know any 100% certain truths. Also we all can remember some more embarrassing cases where we have rather crassly leap to totally unjustified belief. But what can we do about this reality of our existence? We can't know the certain truth about most things. I believe that, far … Continue reading Living in the Real Uncertain World
Weasel Words
Many individuals, not least in the media, use ambiguous, inexplicit "Weasel Words" such as: may, might, could, can, scientists have shown that… They all have the same effect of presenting as true things that are not necessarily valid. For example newspapers, particularly popular tabloids, often run articles along the lines of: Alcohol Kills Studies at … Continue reading Weasel Words
Vox Populi
Vox Populi is literally the voice of the people and refers to attempts to ascertain what the people think about specific matters. It is also referred to as the opinion of the man in the street or the man on the Clapham omnibus. Presumably such formulations include women! This is a form of support for … Continue reading Vox Populi
The Democratic Fallacy
In a democratic society we abide by the fundamental rule of the majority and this has great advantages: Some decisions must be made on a society wide basis and democracy allows for the participation, and thus hopefully more commitment, of all the citizens.In most cases an elected group are given powers to make these decisions.They … Continue reading The Democratic Fallacy
Modelling Mind is Well Received
Modelling Mind was published last month on Amazon and has been well received. It is available as a Kindle eBook and a paperback from: Modelling Mind UK Modelling Mind USA There have been a number of favourable reviews. These include: The word philosophy comes from the ancient Greek (philosophia) meaning a love of wisdom. Stephen … Continue reading Modelling Mind is Well Received
Modelling Mind Book Published
I am very pleased to announce that my Modelling Mind Book is now published and available from Amazon worldwide in both Kindle and paperback formats. Click on the button below to access Amazon in the UK or USA. For other Amazon areas, search "Modelling Mind" or "Stephen Male". Modelling Mind UK Modelling Mind USA Modelling … Continue reading Modelling Mind Book Published
Is an Argument from Analogy Helpful
Often analogies can be good ways of communicating. If it is raining heavily I could say “it’s raining heavily” or perhaps I could use an analogy “it’s raining cats & dogs”. This a perfectly reasonable use of analogy to underline the point I wish to make with perhaps greater force and imagery. However, analogies are … Continue reading Is an Argument from Analogy Helpful
Nothing is impossible to someone who doesn’t have to do it.
I commonly observe it that having no responsibility for implementation leads to impossible plans. In meetings when plans are being discussed, often those without the responsibility for their implementation will argue for much tougher targets and objectives (to the point of fantasy) than those that have to do it. Often in relationships one partner will suggest a plan … Continue reading Nothing is impossible to someone who doesn’t have to do it.
