I’ve enjoyed reading the Cultural Cognition Project for some time, and this isn’t the first time Dan Kahan has made this point, but I want to highligh a really striking chart in his latest: This graph compares answers on a basic subject literacy quiz, … Continue reading
I suppose most political/philosophical criticism is glib, but it is the libertarian’s unique fate to receive glib criticism from both major political tribes. Libertarians, as few and un-influential as they are, are apparently threatening to the majority tribes, progressive liberals, … Continue reading
At the bottom of any argument you will find axioms (norms, inviolable rights, natural or divine laws), assumed or simply asserted as “first principles”. Geometric proofs cannot exist without accepted axioms, likewise reasoned discussion also requires some shared norms. We … Continue reading
A friend points out that Brad DeLong and I aren’t far apart on ideal healthcare solutions. Actually, I’ve agreed with him on substance quite a few times, but I find it painful to read his stuff because he’s such a … Continue reading
My uncle Rod started a conversation with me on Facebook about the proposal to change benefits to a “chained CPI” basis. Along the way, our conversation ran into what I believe is a core, intractable issue with fixing our entitlement … Continue reading
First it was snoopy poop dog, now it’s Gangnam Style. I had the rare pleasure of being chewed out by that guy once.
One of the most important, yet obvious-seeming points ever made. Corollaries of this principle: To argue against an idea honestly, you should argue against the best arguments of the strongest advocates. Arguing against weaker advocates proves nothing, because even the … Continue reading
Natalie Solent remembers that the policies that cost Thatcher the PM’s office are the same that have now saved the country from Euro-blight. Howe thought he was making straight the path down which the forces of modernity would march, but … Continue reading
Puzzle through this. Apparently our personal reputation and likeability are at odds with good policy: Here’s how the study helps explain some of the dynamics that paralyze the American political process. The backbone of good public policy is the act … Continue reading
It is received Liberal Wisdom that inequality has already created tears in the social fabric. Conservatives tend to discount this idea. But it seems that if you believe inequality and/or inequal treatment are problems with significant social ramifications, you might … Continue reading