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BEN STEIN HAS NOT BEEN EXPELLED! - 02/20/2008
Ben Stein and the Discovery Institute have a new movie coming
out, “Expelled,” about Intelligent Design. What a great country we live in where
Michael Moore and Ben Stein can make movies and share their ideas, even if they
are at times overly simple, one-sided, and/or agenda-driven. Still, because
humans like me are emotion-driven thinkers rather than truth-driven thinkers, I
thought I should chime in on Stein’s film before the hype begins—since I have
little doubt from the trailers and Ben’s early promotional appearances that the
film will initially appear quite compelling (in the same way 9/11 conspiracies
and infomercials can at a quick glance). ...READ MORE...
TWO EXAMPLES OF HOW DIALOGUE CAN AND SHOULD TAKE PLACE - 12/12/2007
Two fantastic debates that to me clearly illustrate that
bright, honest, reasonable, intelligent people can draw very different
conclusions about how the world works. It's my hope that before we persecute or
chastise others, we make truth the goal, not the affirmation of what we already
think we know. Not only will you learn from these two separate debates (the
first in three files), but you will see that the other side is not always the
caricature of wackiness that both sides tend to try to paint.
The first is a debate between Dr. Greg Boyd and Dr. Robert
Price (linked here from Minnesota atheists, but linked from many churches as
well). This is a relatively deep discussion of scripture/theology and the
historical authenticity of scripture.
Audio:
Video:
While I'm at it, for a more philosophical debate, see the debate between Michael
Shermer and Dinesh D'Souza is here:
http://oregonstate.edu/groups/socratic/archive.html.
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM - 8/11/2007
When it comes to discussions of culture wars, global
conflicts, 9/11, and the war on terror, there is an “elephant in the room” that
few people seem willing to discuss. Many will reluctantly admit it when it is
pointed out, but most will quickly revert to straw men and red herrings in order
to avoid further discussion. After all, if it escapes our lips and we
acknowledge it, we won’t be able to ignore it anymore. Then, we would have to
deal with it and perhaps even be introspective—a frightening thought indeed. As
we all know, it’s much easier to point to the flawed thinking in others, than it
is to look in the mirror.
...READ MORE...
A Non-believer’s Call for Inclusion at the Interfaith Table - 9/5/2007
Originally delivered via podcast to solicit feedback and
reaction for a "pro-religious institution" message, you can read this
thought-provoking text here, as it relates to
my podcast of September 5th, 2007.
...READ MORE...
CARE TO LEARN A GENUINE SECRET OF THE UNIVERSE? - 2/19/07
PENN JILLETTE'S PODCAST LIVES ON - 10/12/06
Op/Ed SUBMISSION ON HPV VACCINATION DEBATE - 9/19/2006
WHERE'S THE BLOG? - 8/30/2006
TIM RUSSERT HAMMERS BUSH ADMIN ON STEM CELL "MURDER"
STATEMENT BY TONY SNOW 7/23/2006
PODCAST SCHEDULE CHANGING DUE TO "NOVEL IDEA" 7/15/2006
QUICK UPDATE & LISTENER COMIC STRIP
- 6/28/2006
FOLLOW UP TO ENVIRONMENTAL PODCAST
- 6/15/2006
ARTIC OCEAN LEVELS ARE GETTING LOWER - SAY WHAT??? 6/15/2006
CRITICS OF MY PODCAST START WEIGHING IN
- 6/7/2006
"Critic of Faith"? - Well, yes and no... (response to a news article of
5/6/06) - 5/7/2006
REAL-TIME SCIENCE, PSYCHOLOGY AND AUTISM NEWS HERE ON TDT
4/14/06
EXTENSIVE STUDY SAYS PRAYER HAS NO EFFECT
4/3/06
This type of disclosure is not my usual style, but it seemed
like the thing to do. I hope you'll forgive me.
...READ MORE...
But got this email recently, linking to a video at
http://www.glumbert.com/media/shift. I don't usually forward things like
this, but this video is truly amazing, and relevant to business, education and
life. Profound. Tell me your emotional reaction? Excitement? Fear? Dread? Just
curious. Check it out. 5 min tops, and you'll be riveted.
It is a great thrill to have just been cleared to post some
details of my upcoming novel that will be released in October of 2007. The cover
design can't be shown yet, but you can
get a sense of the
book HERE, and support the all-important, pre-publish buzz within the book
industry by
pre-purchasing a copy HERE. Balanced, hard-hitting, and equally
thought-provoking to atheists and believers alike, I have a bold goal for this
book: to do for reason, tolerance, and intellectually honest dialogue,
what Left Behind did for dogmatic literalism.
Thanks to listener Joe Yakimicki, the Truth-Driven FORUM is
alive at
www.truthdriventhinking.com/forum!! Register today!!! Now you can join the
conversation, post feedback and share with fellow listeners in intellectually
honest inquiry. When the finally put to bed I hope to turn my attention to the
blog & the site, I know they've been neglected lately. Happy Holidays!!!
In my podcast of 10/11, I mentioned that my Itunes feed of
Penn Jillette's podcast had dried up. An astute listener told me to search the
iTunes site and I'd find a new feed - his radio show is still available! Thanks
Hank!! Monkey Tuesday's just hadn't been the same for the last few months!
(As submitted in response to “Health,
morals at center of debate over cancer vaccine." Kalamazoo Gazette, 9/15/2006.)
As a student of human behavior and epistemology, your recent
article, “Health, morals at center of debate over cancer vaccine” caught my eye.
With the advent of a new vaccine to prevent the spread of HPV, and thereby
prevent many cervical cancers, Michigan is at the leading edge of an interesting
healthcare debate. As you mentioned, the Michigan Senate has introduced a bill
that would require young Michigan girls to receive the vaccination before the
sixth grade, and some people are opposed to the requirements on “moral grounds.”
If we are to listen to Bill Kiewiet, of the Alternatives
Women’s Care Center, this is clearly an “issue of morality.” Now if by that he
means we have a moral obligation to
...READ THE REST...
Greetings again Truth-Driven Thinkers!! While the podcast
remains on schedule today, I experienced a guilt pang about not having posted
more on the web site lately. There is so much emotion-driven thinking to cover,
and so little time. But just by way of update, I wanted to offer my excuse. I've
been working very long hours doing research and writing my new book. As
described in
PODCAST SCHEDULE CHANGING DUE TO "NOVEL IDEA",
it will be my first attempt at novel; but I
felt strongly compelled to use a story to illustrate the principals we discuss
here. Over 300 pages into a very rough draft, I am really quite happy with the
progress so far. It's very difficult to experience the story as the reader
would, being so close to it and all, but I remain quite excited that this really
is the way people absorb concepts. Hopefully it will be as entertaining to read
as it is to write, especially since it's at least "inspired" by true events. In
fact, its so "real" in ways that it has been at times an emotionally draining
experience to write the thing. Will post more as time goes by, but in addition
to the explanation of the plotline given within the link above, I tell people
it's about God, sex, love, joy, and death. I guess that leaves out taxes. :-).
White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten did his best, but in
his usual brilliance Tim Russert failed to back off. He deftly framed his
questions for Bolten about the Administrations stem-cell statements, in such as
way as to clearly illustrate the inherent inconsistencies fundamental to the
administration's position. It seems that when dogma is for dogma's sake (e.g.
Life begins at conception and failure to foster a fertilized egg is murder - my
extension of what they say), and you take it to an extreme, inconsistencies
become evident. Russert properly asked why the Federal Government would not
immediately seek to shut down in vetro fertilization efforts everywhere. After
all, murder is murder, and many such cells are necessarily discarded in this
process. See the program online at
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032608/ or download an audio podcast at
http://msnbc.msn.com/id/8132577/#mtp or
iTunes.
It's true. I mentioned a couple weeks ago that I was going to
move from the fixed, weekly schedule, and that I'd explain why, and what that
means to you when time allowed. Here goes! First, what I don't believe and don't
intend it means is that I will "podfade". I so greatly enjoy learning, and
sharing my learning, that I doubt you'll be able to make me go away. On the
other hand, I have two reasons that my time has to be rationed a bit more
carefully, including moving from the rigid, weekly schedule. One, I am excited
to announce I've begun work on a vastly different type of book - a novel. I
figured I've never read one, so I'd might as well write one (joke).
... READ
THE REST OF THIS ENTRY...
As noted in last week's podcast, I'll be off this week
(6/28/06). Will explain next week, and some good shows ahead so don't worry!
Keep the feedback coming, and many thanks to Basil White (www.basilwhite.com)
for listening, and for submitting this:
As a follow up to my
podcast interview
with "controversial environmental reporter" Ron Bailey, check out some of the
notes from the conference in which recently participated. An excellent summary
of his debate with Chris Mooney is located
HERE
at The Commons. The event was the
"Environmental Wars", and was hosted by one of my favorite organizations, the
Skeptic Society. Actually,
the
post-conference report on their web site includes an audio file from Chris
Mooney. Just go to the
DeSmogBlog link - also a great resource for dialogue and debate about
environmental issues (just beware that I couldn't get "play" button to work, so
you may need to download the file by right clicking and saving it. And also, it
is recorded quite low so you'll need to crank your volume). While you're there,
subscribe the magazine and their weekly e-news magazine as well. Great folks,
intellectually honest debate of all topics. (Another relevant blog is
The
Commons, referenced above).
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Caution. Caution. Do not panic. This does not mean that I'm
saying global warming doesn't exist, isn't real, or isn't caused by human
activity. That said, a BBC story today (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/5076322.stm)
says new research shows a 2mm decline in annual ocean levels in the Antartic.
This is astonishing, because conventional beliefs say that oceans should rise
with melting ice and global warming. Again though, all joking about undies and
knots aside, it appears that nobody should try to draw any conclusions based on
this apparent paradox. Much more needs to be learned.
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Love the podcast criticisms starting to appear in Itunes
reviews, and of course I really appreciate the compliments too! First, let me
say again - as many entries below say, I think global warming is real, and to at
least some significant degree to be caused by man's burning of fossil fuels.
That seems clear. Far less clear is what to do about it and what the
ramifications of those actions (or inactions) will be. Man, you environmental
people get defensive. Hang in there. I don't give an emotional hoot about who is
right or wrong on this debate. I have no dog in the hunt. Just a great example
of seeing emotional reactions when someone voices an opinion with which you
disagree. Apologetic for big business. Yah - if you only knew.
I think I’m always going to make some people happy, and
really tick off others, but my disclaimers stand. I don't pretend to have any
unique claim on truth. I'm not even arrogant enough to think that my guests'
data means they know truth. I'm not here to hammer them. I'm an emotion-driven
thinker who has noticed everyone else is too, and they hate data that doesn't
support what they think they already know. That's why I
look for just such things - data that seems viable and ignored, yet is contrary
to conventional wisdom - I don't care if it's religious notions,
environmental claims, or anything else. But let’s talk about these things.
That’s the point. If you disagree, leave voice graffiti at 888-247-2103 and I’ll
play it. Also, I don’t pretend to have balance, because in part I’m trying to
make a point – one of my favorite things is to see how people react when they
are told they are wrong. How open are you to that possibility? It almost makes
me chuckle when people get so mad (though getting people mad is FAR from my
intent). It's so much easier to listen to things that affirm our self-declared
brilliant mastery of all issues. So I try to provide topics where there is at
least evidence contrary to conventional wisdom (why tell you what you already
think you know). But skepticism and intellectual honesty isn’t about pouting and
getting mad and going away, it’s about continuing to explore issues, and
continuing to ask yourself when you react emotionally, what is it inside
yourself that has so much invested in your current view of “truth” & evidence?
If my guest on environmental issues is making false claims, then tell me
politely (I'm a nice guy not interested in emotional fights) why you think so
and we'll put it on. I think, as Paul Kurtz says, it’s much more about provoking
you to think about your method of inquiry and biases, than it is about who is
right and wrong about issues. At the same time I screen for what I believe are
legitimate, intellectually honest viewpoints that are supported by reason and
data. No wackos allowed. Obviously truth is the very important, unachievable of
dialogue & learning, and it is vitally important that we take action based upon
science, evidence, and reason.
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(See the article
here).
So does this mean that the alarmists are wrong about Global Warming? Of course
not. It doesn't even mean they're wrong about predicting polar bear populations
will fall if global warming proceeds as expected, back nearly to their 1950's
populations. At the same time, it is another confusing peace of a complex pie
for we "mere mortals" who are trying weight the facts with the alarmist
emotion-driven thinking on both sides of environmental issues. As always, I just
wish I could know the truth. If I had to guess today, based on historical
alarmist claims versus human wastefulness and carelessness, I'd guess that truth
and reality is somewhere in the middle of most current environmental debates.
(Click HERE
to see an example of how industry groups distort science to undermine the
global warming "alarmists" - new
article posted by our friends
at Factcheck.org).
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They're letting me out of here!! For those who heard me
mention it on a recent podcast, I went in to the hospital on 5/16/2006 for
thoracic surgery to permanently fix a spontaneously collapsed lung. Turned out
to be a major surgery, and a major PAIN :-), but I'm back!! Had my chest tubes
removed yesterday (that's a good thing - I called them my garden hoses). Thanks
for the support. Today's podcast will be up just as soon as I can put some
finishing touches on it and get it rolling. Hopefully late today but we'll see.
You can read the gory details of what I had done, and why,
by clicking here.
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Here is the "controversial" interview in print - the one that
prompted the below entry "Religious Critic?"
We are slowly adding transcripts as a "beta test", and as my checkbook allows
:-). Click here to read the thought-provoking and interesting
transcript of the interview with Bishop Spong, and see which other
podcast transcripts are available for download.
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Okay, I genuinely thought the article was about podcasting,
and the free exchange of ideas - NOT about my criticisms of religion (apart from
the many other issues we address). So first and foremost, let me say that
Truth-Driven Thinking is not intentionally focused on religion, though that is
perhaps the impression left by the recent article, “Bloggers
Preach Back: Local media-company owner has joined Internet-based religious
critics,” by Chris Meehan. While it is true that I may be guiding dialogue
in that direction because of a willingness to share my personal struggles in
pursuit of more convincing arguments and “truth”, the concept of setting aside
our egos in pursuit of how the world really works is what is important. That is
my goal in evolving into the best and fullest human being I can become. It is
therefore important to note that self-affirming bias, ego, and prejudice are not
just things that happen with regard to religion. They happen in obesity
research, lotteries, issues of race and gender preference, and most other facets
of life. In fact in my book, Truth-Driven Thinking, I intentionally
and totally ignored religion ...continue
reading this article...
(If relevant to understanding to where I have evolved on
traditional monotheistic religion, you can also read my Feb 2006 document to
friends and family "Coming Out in the Interest of
Authenticity").
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Different people consume information in different ways. Some
are readers. Some are more verbal/auditory. That said, if you prefer web and
e-mail based content, you may be feeling a touch neglected lately. But I'm here
to say, "Fear not!" While I've certainly been extremely busy, I'm contemplating
providing print versions of some of the compelling podcast interviews to email
subscribers & readers of this page. Thoughts? (sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com)
There is certainly cost involved for me, thought the goal would be continue to
keep everything FREE - (could it be donation supported?).
For a quick, fun reading "fix", just check out this NY Times
story about a self-help group for those
addicted to psychic advice?Or this one:
ELVIS search continues in KALAMAZOO!!! So much emotion-driven thinking. So
little time.
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Since all TDT content is FREE, and with costs mounting a bit,
we have struggled with exactly how to deal with funding our efforts. While
perhaps not a total solution, we are excited to announce new affiliate
relationships that are consistent with our mission - namely education and
information!
While we support audiobooks, music, foreign films,
documentaries, and exposing people to new viewpoints and information, we can
also make a small return from our new affiliate relationships with Apple's
Itunes music (and audiobook!) store, as well as Netflix.
Simply make any and all purchases by FIRST clicking through
the affiliates links, and you'll learn & be happy, and help us in the process.
      
AUDIOBOOKS for your
portable device, or burn to CD's for your car:
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Okay you may not know who the Podcast Brothers are, but they
are very successful pioneers in podcasting. They specialize in the business side
of this tidal wave of portable, "listen when you want, where you want" media.
Their show is smashingly popular (that's the exact figure:-), and it was too
kind of them to let me do the 25 second intro for their 4/13/2006 show. Check it
out at www.podcastbrothers.com (or
at your favorite podcast directory).
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pAs of today, you can catch real-time science, psychology and
autism news here at
http://www.truthdriventhinking.com/science_news.php. You can also reach the
page from the links on the left of the home page. Thanks to the same RSS
technology that allows me to syndicate my podcast (a.k.a. audiocast, audiocolumn,
audiocast, "radio show"), also allows me to instantly update this site with news
from science that is relevant to some of our topics.
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The study is published in the April, 2006 American Heart
Journal and is being reported as the most thorough and rigorous studies yet
with regard to the alleged power of prayer. According to the abstract of "Study
of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer in cardiac bypass patients",
over 1800 participants from 6 US hospitals participated in three groups. Two
groups were told they may or may not receive prayer, of which one group did and
one did not. A third group was told they WOULD receive prayer, and did.
Conclusion? "Intercessory prayer itself had no effect on complication-free
recovery from CABG (heart bypass surgery), but certainty of receiving
intercessory prayer was associated with a higher incidence of complications."
Yup. You heard right. Intercessory Prayer from others had no
impact on recovery (not personally a shock to me), yet in the group that was
told they would be prayed for (and WAS prayed for), complications rose from from
52% to 59%. Hmmmmm. The hypothesis appears to be that expectations and
pressures of being prayed for could have affected that third group negatively. (http://journals.elsevierhealth.com/periodicals/ymhj
- abstract available with registration).
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Having just sat through another news story about the Michael Baigent book,
"The Jesus Papers", and just ahead of my podcast with the respected progressive
theologian John Shelby Spong, it seemed appropriate for me to explain my reasons
for not wanting to rush right out and buy Baigent's book. Quoting many great
skeptics, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence." Unfortunately,
I just watched Baigent pretty clearly say that for a long list of political
reasons, he can offer essentially NO proof of his extraordinary claims that
Christ was alive and well after the crucifixion. While perhaps a plausible story
line, it seems unfortunate for him to reference so many claims about documents,
and then offer no substantiation that they even exist - let alone share them
with other scholars. With so many intellectually honest scholars fighting
valiant, up-hill battles against conventional beliefs in regard to biblical
"truth", I'm going to save the $27.95 on this attempt. While full of flaws, at
least Dan Brown called his "Da Vinci Code" fiction.
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Is it possible that strict enforcement of ever more aggressive “drunk
driving” laws is not only costly, in every sense of the word, but also a great
example of taking action based upon untrue, emotion-driven conclusions? Is MADD
a neo-prohibitionist
 movement
bent on ending social drinking?
...read more and listen to my upcoming podcast on
this topic...
Some weeks ago I received an e-mail on the Truth-Driven Thinking web site,
from a genuine sounding gentleman, expressing his appreciation for the content,
and intent, of our efforts. As you know, we always ask two questions. What do we
know that isn't supported by science and reason, and what is the harm of
believing or taking action based upon potentially untrue assumptions.
In fact, this normal, bright, productive citizen, Todd Harvey, told of his
personal experience as a member of the Unification Church "Cult" (irreverently
referred to by some as "Moonies") for over six years. His web site eloquently
and candidly shares this deeply personal experience (www.conversationswithtodd.org).
Since I've not had the opportunity to ask questions of a former member and
better understand such an organization from the inside, I asked Todd if he'd
talk with us. He kindly agreed to share his story with our listeners in one of
our first podcasts. I hope you can visit his site and/or hear his interview for
some interesting insights.
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After launching the "ramp up" to the official weekly show by Podcasting the
chapters of the audiobook for FREE, the first eposide of the Truth-Driven
Thinking Podcast Show has been transmitted out to a solid group of subscribers
that have already come on board as a result of the "bookcast". I don't know if
I'll meet their expectations, but you can bet I'll be working hard and having
fun trying.
In fact, I'm optimistic that the content being assembled is going to be very
interesting - at least to me :-) - and I'm already so excited about the guests
that have agreed to talk with us in early episodes. In fact, I almost don't want
to curse anything by name dropping just yet. But for starters, check out the
Drunk Driving and Cult (above) articles and
guests, as those episodes are scheduled to release within two weeks.
And I'll give you one more. After that, look for best selling author of over
15 books on theology and Christianity, the retired Bishop in Episcopal Church,
the Right Reverend John Shelby Spong. Rev. Spong will join the conversations
about what is likely real, and what is emotion-driven and socially driven
mythology about Christianity.
As always, this is all about honest, open dialogue. So please, share your
ideas for guests with me, and don't be shy about telling me (politely please)
about how you feel. My email is
sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com.
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External link to a
great article by Sam Harris at the Huffington Post.
Announcing, the regular Truth-Driven Thinking Podcast/Internet Radio Show
(subscribe to podcast
here)! – It’s a new way to join me on my
journey of discovery, and pursuit of ever-elusive “truth”. Truly I’m excited
about both the medium and the content to which you will have free access –
thanks to the wonderful new world of “internet radio”, or more accurately,
“audiocasting” or “podcasting” via the internet.
Read more.... (what is a "Podcast"?)
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For those with a curious mind, here is a book that is worth reading: Steven
D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner.
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything.
New York: Harper Colliins, 2005.
Now lest I “Oprah myself”, however, it is worth noting that there has been
some debate about a possible “math error” in this respected economist’s work on
abortion statistics (Levitt). That said, what is so greatly appealing to me
about this book is its keeping with my fascination with how conventional wisdom
can be SO much more conventional than wise, and how objective data can
compellingly demonstrate how at least some of our views are probably in conflict
with truth. ...read
more here...
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Improvement today! I just received an email from the Amazing Randi's right
hand administrative phenomenon, Linda, on an item unrelated to this unsettling
news. But having received an email yesterday from another attendee at his
Amazing Meeting 4 last week (see two posts below), expressing word of Mr.
Randi's illness, I couldn't help but ask for an update to the posting of his
condition at www.randi.org. She kindly
conveyed that he showed improvement today, and that finally it appears that he
will pull through, though recovery will take a while. It goes without saying
that our warmest well wishes go his way! We're hopeful and confident that he'll
be poking hornets nests in no time.
BACK TO TOP
The following entry relates to a deeply personal statement. It is related to
my search for truth and the adoption of truth-driven practices in an area about
which I should probably not be commenting - yet I'm compelled to do so as for
the reasons explained.
...you may read the document here...
Superlatives are all that come to mind. I've just returned from my second
experience of "The Amazing Meeting". It was the fourth annual gathering of
skeptics, scientists, rational thinkers, columnists, psychologists, and yes,
magicians - in all, over 800 paid attendees showed up at this year's fundraiser
for the James
 Randi Educational Foundation (www.randi.org
- Mr. Randi is pictured with Steve Gibson).
The common thread of this all-star gathering of participants and
presenters is a commitment to science, reason, and in my words, truth-driven
thinking. It was instructional, educational, entertaining, and galvanizing (as a
community that is committed to the ever-illusive discovery of "truth") - nearly beyond
words in fact.
Once again hosted by the great
James Randi, this
year's roster of speakers included the venerable magician
Penn Jillette, of
Penn & Teller fame;
Christopher Hitchens who is seen frequently on national talk shows
and is know for his many articles in major publications like The Nation, The
New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and Slate, (and whom I just watched last
week on MSNBC, discussing his parcipation in the ACLU's lawsuit against the
wiretapping of the Bush Administration - though it should be noted he has also
been a defender of the military action taken in Iraq);
Danniel Dennett, author of
Breaking The Spell: Religion as Natural Phenomenon;
Nadine
Strossen, president of the ACLU;
Stanley Krippner, international health expert and presenter of
Rape, War and Aids; Rational and Irrational Beliefs about the AIDS Pandemic;
Ph.D.,
Lieutenant Colonel Hal Bidlack, an Associate
Professor of Political Science at the USAF Academy;
Dr.
Michael Shermer, publisher of Skeptic Magazine and pioneering
author and skeptic in his own right;
Richard Wiseman - magician, psychologist,
lecturer, author and expert on cognitive illusions and the study of luck;
The Mythbusters, of their popular Discovery
Channel TV show by the same name...
...read
more here...
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With yet another Christmas season behind us, it seems like a less
controversial time for me to raise a legitimate question about the great guy
with the white beard. No, I don’t mean James Randi, I’m talking about Santa
Clause. Specifically, why do we insist upon lying to our children about this
wacky, mythical character? What’s with that anyway? And more to the point, is it
possible that there is actually some harm done?
...read more...
An excellent summary from our friends at the FreeThought Association of Grand
Rapids, as presented by Henry Pollack, PhD, Department of Geological Sciences,
University of Michigan, Author of Uncertain Science...Uncertain World
...check
out the article through this link.... The minutes from Dr. Pollack's
presentation in fact address the very issue of confusion on the topic, and why
we may be failing to grasp the impact that human actions are having on global
climate change.
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If you've read Malcom Gladwell's fascinating look at rapid human cognition,
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking (Little, Brown, 2005), then
you heard about the research being done at Harvard about subconscious
preferences. The tests are called the Implicit Association Tests, and you may
participate in the research, or simply take one of the demonstration exams by
following the link below (you get real results). Test your degree of preference
for a wide variety of things from race to weight. Just follow the link here:
https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/demo/measureyourattitudes.html. The
test will provide with a gauge for how strong your preference leans one way or
the other. You need not complete the demographics survey, but doing so might be
helpful.
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It's the story of my life. The more I know, the less I know (I was pretty
smart at 22). Just as I begin to believe the increasing mountain of evidence
that not only is the world warming, but that human activity is a substantial
cause, an article like this new one published in
Nature appears and highlights new research about sudden spikes
throughout history - namely 55 million years ago. As Bjorn Lomborg lucidly
explained in his book, The Skeptical Environmentalist: Measuring the Real
State of the World (Cambridge University Press, 1998: revised 2001), there
could well be natural thermostats and interrelated processes that play a
significant role in global temperature regulation. Truly, as a non-expert on
this topic, it seems clear that the globe is warming. Outstanding questions
remain: what
percentage of the change is of man, and what is of nature? What will be the
effects of the warming? Can we in fact do anything to stop it? As the leading
producers of food and standard of living-raising technology throughout the
world, what would be the costs of stopping or slowing it? I sure liked things
better when they were simpler.
Read the summary of the Nature article here.
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Care to read my book in just 11 pages? Well now you almost can. Just posted
to the Freethought Association's listing of past meetings, are "minutes" of the
meeting that transcend any secretary's meeting notes I've ever seen! Kudos to
Charles LaRue for a summary of my presentation and book that is better than I
think I could have written. While he makes me sound like I actually know
something, I stick firmly to my claim that the older I get and the more I learn,
the less I really know for certain. Here is the direct link to
Mr. LaRue's detailed synopsis of my book
(and presentation) about Truth-Driven Thinking.
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We are conducting an informal (and unscientific) survey about truth & bias, as a
"fun little experiment"
beginning 12/31/2005.
Your responses would be appreciated, and you can compare your answers to
others at the end of the survey. There are a series of 24 multiple choice
questions (may be shorter depending on answers), and this should take about 10 minutes to complete.
Please
click HERE to participate in the Truth-Driven Thinking
Survey.
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Once again my hat is off to one of my favorite of our "links
for truth" -
www.factcheck.org. Their latest article is called, "What
Did Congress Know, and When?", and in a world where "truth" seems difficult
to find, that site's reporting often seems the most objective available (my
opinion only).
...MORE...
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So I'm enjoying a relaxing Saturday after a hard day of picking up leaves.
I'm not looking for controversy. I'm not in study mode. I'm just looking for
some mindless entertainment on the TV (didn't even watch Michigan put the hurt
on Indiana). Unfortunately, I flipped by the A&E network and stopped to see a
bright and normal-looking weather guy talking about hurricane Katrina. I'm
guessing he's not going to say that Bush blew up the levies, and he didn't.
But could I have heard him properly? The Japanese Mafia used old soviet
technology to manipulate the weather? What we won't do for ratings. Shame on A &
E. ...MORE...
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Additional information! If you have seen the
movie or followed the link below and read my comments about the film, What
the Bleep Do We Know, I implore you to follow and read the article located
at:
http://www.religious-science.com/message-board-forum/about49.html. I
was recently contacted by Mr. Conrad Askland, a member of the Hi Desert Church
of Religious Science, and the gentleman I quoted in my entry of 9/30/05. The
link will take you to his detailed report about the movie, which I hope will
raise your eyebrows as much as it did mine - even if you watched the film with
an open mind, as I did.
You see, I love the mysteries of the unknown as much as the next person - of
astronomy, physics, and even those that are deepened by the limitations of
today's science. While James Randi is one of my all time heroes, a friend
recently said, "I'd sure love to see James Randi have to pay that million
dollars [to someone who could prove some paranormal ability]". In a way, I would
too. In fact, I think I've heard Mr. Randi say that in some weird way, HE almost
would love to see it. But alas, our wants cannot make it so.
In the meantime, the film What the Bleep Do We Know remains widely
rented today (It is currently available on my cable provider's "On Demand"
section of free movies). It obviously continues to get play, so it seems
important that Mr. Askland's well documented criticisms be heard as well.
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The DVD of a certain play that is apparently offensive to Muslims sparked
violence in Egypt over the weekend. According to Maggie Michael of the
Associated Press, four people were killed and over 90 injured in riots and
attacks on Coptic Christians and their houses of worship.
The point? While tensions can run high when it comes to discussing matters of
faith, it is vitally important that we recognize and honor the hard-won freedoms
of speech we so often take for granted. I will be speaking to the
FreeThought
Association this week, a group that explores philosophy, religion, science
and social issues from a non-religious perspective. Regardless of one's own
beliefs, it occurred to me once again that I'm thankful we live in a part of the
world where I do not need to fear for my life for asking questions and
encouraging intellectually honest dialogue. (If you haven't seen it, please
watch my video clip called "Freedom Came at a Cost" by clicking
here). My intent is not to be
nationalistic, but rather to say that we best honor the progress of humanity by
using the freedoms we have. Even if those who died might not
appreciate your or my views (say on issues of religion), it's my position that a
willingness to earn additional freedoms served a hugely necessary and valuable
role in the evolution of humanity (and freedom to inquire). NO, I'm not an
apologist for the military-industrial forces allegedly seeking hegemony. But
please don't let current world issues diminish the importance of the point that
progress has often come at a cost - just as I will not let the unreal
appearance of a pro-Bush, pro-War in Iraq view prevent me from continuing to
speak in honor hard-won freedoms.
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Can water be turned into crystals by mind power alone? At the urging of several readers of Truth-Driven Thinking, I went
ahead and rented What the Bleep Do We Know......more...
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As I still digest the terrible devastation and watch events on the Gulf coast
unfold, I find myself probably as disoriented, biased and emotionally wrapped up
an observer as most – drawn to the reality but unable to see a more direct way
to help than financial. In my ongoing observation of human tendencies, however,
and hardwired obstacles to solid reasoning that can catch any of us who is
unaware, there are two early thoughts I wanted to offer...
...more...
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...and with so much to say!!! Okay, truth be told, I haven't been
"gone", but have been very busy in the field, as evidenced by the gaps in dates
below. Don't worry though, I've been collecting articles and thoughts galore.
And as you'll see more in the coming days, they include an account of a fairly
significant revelation onto which I've stumbled ... Stay tuned...
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Since exchanging comments and feedback with several of you about Paul Campos'
book "The Obesity Myth", I'm suggesting that anyone interested in cutting
through the emotion-driven debate on weight-related issues should pick up the
latest issue of Skeptic magazine from their local newsstand
(Vol.11 No.4). Patrick Johnson handles a review of Campos' book in a true
Skeptic fashion that should make us all proud of the publication's unique
ability to separate science from hyperbole.
Lots of other great stuff in the new issue too - more in-depth Intelligent
Design debate, further analysis of the "Da Vince Code" cult, and much more, so I
can't suggest strongly enough having one around the house. Subscribe at
www.skeptic.com
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Little did I know when I wrote about the "autism issue" in Truth-Driven
Thinking, that it would explode again into the arena of national
politics, to the degree that it has - thanks in part to Robert Kennedy and Don
Imus, among others.
Unfortunately as I discussed in the book, this issue falls under my "Law of
Sympathy", which states that where emotional appeals for action are born of
personal tragedy (like MADD, child abductions, etc.), it becomes all the more
important that we frame the argument with science and reason. The sad reality
remains that emotion is increasingly ruling this debate. As aptly covered by an
AP article by Marilynn Marchione and Kirsten Gelineaue (Kalamazoo Gazette,
6/26/05), the science on both sides of this controversy remains weak and
inconclusive (particularly on the claim of a causal link between Thimerosal, in
my humble opinion). I won't expound here on the many variables of this complex
question about the causes of increased autism diagnosis, other than to say there
is a great deal of solid science compiled so far, that there are risks of
non-vaccination that MUST not be forgotten, and that we should continue to
explore and examine this issue in the domain of science - not emotion.
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Not having plugged www.factcheck.org
recently (though certainly plugged in
the book), I want to remind you to visit and support their site. Here
is a great example of the type of rhetoric-cutting work they perform - in this
case setting the record straight on recent claims of increasing abortions under
the Bush administration. It's truly one of the few non-partisan, truth-driven
sites. The article is here,
but subscribe to their e-mail updates while you're at the site. They'll keep you
honest in your quest to be truth-driven.
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What's the truth? Did president Bush lie about W.M.D.? Was he simply the
victim of poor intelligence? Is this the biggest mistake the U.S. has made in
centuries, a fortuitous and accidental "victory" only by way of removing one of
many thuggish dictators on the globe, or something totally different? Well
certainly I don't know. I'm no foreign policy wonk, and such topics are
generally outside the scope of seeking truth through science and reason. Or are
they?
One of the points I make in
Truth-Driven Thinking
is that issues are often highly complex. And if there are reasonable people on
both sides of a complex issue, it might be a red flag for us that there is more
than meets the eye, and that perhaps truth is being subordinated to emotion,
hype and rhetoric.
...more...
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What if an AP Article came out in March of 2005, saying that over 50% of NBA
basketball players are "overweight" by government standards (Body Mass Index)?
What if four of them, including Shaquille O'Neal, were declared "Obese"? Do you
have any clue what kind of body condition these players maintain?
...more...
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Frankly, I think I've been mentally unable to comment on the entire Social
Security debate. When we get into the political arena, all bets are off. There
is very little intellectually honest debate. Even the best shows and
commentators, such as Tim Russert of NBC's Meet The Press, can do only so
much to clear up these intentionally muddied waters. ...more...
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For decades now the financial markets have watched two main indexes of
"Consumer Confidence". In fact, they've been factors that move markets when
released. But despite the conventional wisdom that these indexes are hugely
important predictors, a new report by Dean Croushore of the University of
Richmond in Virginia, says they predict nothing. "These results suggest that
forecasters can ignore consumer-confidence indexes in forcasting consumption
spending," concludes his report. See a .pdf summary of the report on the
University's web site
HERE.
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To paraphrase Ronald Reagan, here we go again! Twice in two weeks? (See
below - 2 articles down.) Tonight is a two-hour special on ABC TV, "The UFO
Phenomenon - seeing is believing." According to the ABC "news" web site, "Almost
50 percent of Americans, according to recent polls, and millions of people
elsewhere in the world believe that UFOs are real. For many it is a deeply held
belief."
Have you heard the hype for this program? They're implying that if you don't
believe, you will after seeing this program. Isn't it irresponsible to
perpetuate myths for ratings? (Never mind that after so many extensive
investigations, never has a UFO been positively identified to be an
extra-terrestrial spacecraft - or anything like it. NEVER.) Want mindless
entertainment tonight? Watch "The Apprentice". And PLEASE read the ABC item
below - including the link.
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A great example of science being influenced by emotion is taking shape right
before our eyes. The last report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change included the now-famous "hockey stick" graph, showing flat temperatures
over the last 1,000 years, followed by a dramatic upswing since 1900. His
assertions are being published in a major science journal, and made the cover of
the Wall Street Journal on Valentine's Day, 2005
...more...
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What a fascinating account James Randi has just posted in regard to his
appearance on ABC's Primetime Live last week. He was one of two in-studio
guests invited to discuss the report on "John of God," the Brazilian "healer".
Not much I can add to his typically clear and cogent comments, which are
here on his web
site at the James Randi Educational Foundation, but one simply has to
stop and ponder the larger question. Please click the above link to read Randi's
article, then answer this:
Has Primetime Live minimized passionate pursuit of the truth in this
case, to once again maintain the plausibility of a notion, simply because that
plausibility is sexier for ratings than actually closing the case? Please
read the article and drop me your opinion at
sgibson@truthdriventhinking.com
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There is an early, unexpected theme I'm hearing from people who have read
the book (yes - its brand new and I'm delighted to say someone other than my
wife has read the book:-). It goes something like this:
...more...
*See the Op/Ed piece on religion & science by Gerald
Diment
here also 2/17/05
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While I was pretty sure that I heard Dick Morris clarifying the issue within
days of the election, the "moral values" myth has nonetheless become yet another
great example of how once accepted, it's pretty darned tough to debunk
conventional wisdom. Perhaps the New Yorker
...more...
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Having been a fan and admirer along with the rest of the nation, I am deeply
saddened by the news of Johnny's death. I'm saddened for all the reasons
expressed by the myriad of celebrities and Tonight Show viewers -
the memories we feel like we shared with him over 30 years, the guests, the way
our parents connected with the show, etc. - but also because of the little known
fact that science and reason lost a big advocate.
...more...
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How thankful I am to have attended the Amazing Meeeting III (3rd annual -
"TAM III"), created by Mr. James
Randi ("The Amazing Randi") in association with Skeptic
magazine. It was a gathering of prominent scientists, psychologists,
magicians, authors, and even attorneys - all gathered to share ideas in defense
and promotion of science and reason. FASCINATING it was to see the frontlines of
the battle against the quackery, pseudoscience, and misdirected energies that
plague us. more...
Read More HERE
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Truth-Driven
Thinking: The Critical Thinking Alternative for an Emotion-Driven World is
now available!!
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