Ken Perrott • Feb 25, 2016 •
There is a lot of scientific self-deception about – and not only among ideologically motivated activists who wish to opportunistically use science in their campaigns. Scientists themselves are also prone to self-deception – as Richard Feynman sums it up the meme displayed above. I like this cartoon Eureka! with Regina Nuzzo from Cara Gormally as it indicates why we are so … Read More
Eric Crampton • Jan 22, 2015 •
Freedom of speech is worthless if it's restricted to things that'll never offend anybody. Freedom of choice also requires that we be able to choose things other people think are dumb. Otherwise, what's the point? You might as well flip to a world where you're given a menu of permitted choices and where you're forced to pick one of them instead … Read More
Eric Crampton • Mar 11, 2013 •
A few things I tell my Economics & Current Policy Issues Class: It's double-counting to weigh the direct costs of some disamenity as well as the disamenity's effects on land values because the latter incorporates the former (and the same for pos... Read More
Eric Crampton • Jan 31, 2013 •
Suppose that you want to reduce petrol usage because of global warming. If you begin from an assumption of consumer rationality, you'll prefer a carbon tax or some form of emission trading. Announce today a schedule of Pigovean carbon taxes and how th... Read More
Eric Crampton • Nov 25, 2012 •
Professor Flynn is trying to help you improve your mind. My review of his latest book should be in today's Christchurch Press. They gave me 450 words; I took 480. Here they are. Professor Jim Flynn sets a clever trap in his latest book, “How To Im... Read More
Aimee Whitcroft • Sep 07, 2012 •
Today, I found something new. Well, not found, per se, but rather was pointed to. And it’s not new, having been going for a coupla years or so now, but it’s certainly still going! It’s the rather epic fanfic Harry Potter and the Methods of Rationality. Written by American writer, blogger, friendly AI advocate and [...] … Read More
Darcy Cowan • Oct 18, 2010 •
After Friday’s unabashed rant on things magical and absurd I felt it would be good to post a more level headed and rational piece. This post from a couple of years ago caught my eye at the right time and given the popularity of reposting I decided it was worth another outing: A less formal [...] … Read More