How Science is Undone
Clifford Burdick (1894-1992) spent his life trying to disprove modern evolutionary and geological theory. He was a creationist. And one
Intelligence is not a personality trait
Ten years ago, few people thought that Elon Musk was an idiot. Yes, perceptive observers could probably tell that there
Church and State Debate
Lots of factors contribute to productive arguments. But they can't happen at all if the arguers don't actually respond to
Feedback at the Supermarket
A while ago, I was at the self-checkout machine paying for my groceries when the machine ate my penny. Strange.
Feedback in Complex Environments
The experience of striking a tennis ball offers rich feedback.
As you're waiting for the ball, you can feel your
What Cast Iron Pans and Batteries Have in Common
Do you know how to charge your electronics? When I was a teenager, the standard advice was to never leave
Education That Makes You Stupid
Often, we assume that more education leads to smarter individuals – at least, "smarter" as modern societies would define it. Generally
Creationism and The Deficit Model
It’s easy to think that those who oppose various scientific findings – like creationists or flat-earthers – don't understand something about
What's the point in arguing?
It's good to be right when arguing. To feel vindicated. To win. To know that you were right all along.
Argue like a lawyer or argue like a scientist?
Any argument in any context can involve miscommunication, frustration, intractability, emotional attachment, and pettiness. But there are important differences between