A blog post introducing a paper by Alan Musgrave on why it is rational to adopt scientific realism. Evolving Thoughts
The paper is definitely recommended reading! As a strong adherent of scientific realism, I am preparing a post on the flaws of constructivism (the current alternative hypothesis to scientific realism; a sophisticated form of solipsism, if [...]
Entries from March 2007
Scientific Realism
March 30th, 2007 · No Comments
Tags: philosophy of science
Error bars
March 30th, 2007 · No Comments
To analyze data and also to critically review studies made by other people, one needs a good grasp of some basic concepts of statistics (and probability, but that is for another day). Here is a nice post about error bars: Cognitive Daily: I’ll bet you don’t understand error bars (updated with answers)
Technorati Tags: statistics
Tags: statistics
Dyscalculia
March 30th, 2007 · No Comments
A blog post about a new phenomenon similar to dyslexia: Discovering Biology in a Digital World
A big BUT: mathematics is not (only) about numbers - mathematics is about patterns, structures, regularities; about thinking consistently and diligently; about beauty.
David Hilbert, one of the greatest mathematicians of the last century who worked and lived in Göttingen was [...]
Tags: cognitive science
Differences Between Brains and Computers
March 30th, 2007 · No Comments
Here is a nice post on differences between brains and computers: Developing Intelligence : 10 Important Differences Between Brains and Computers
To make one thing clear: I do not think that artificial intelligence is impossible, on the contrary, I do think that we will be able to develop an artificial intelligence. But paramount to this effort [...]
Tags: artificial intelligence · cognitive science
Basic Concepts in Science
March 24th, 2007 · No Comments
I have travelled through the science blogosphere today and discovered this very nice compilation of essential topics every scientist - and indeed also the lay public - should know:
Evolving Thoughts
http://scienceblogs.com/mt/pings/31058
Technorati Tags: philosophy of science, physics
Tags: philosophy of science · physics
Americans, Europeans, and evolution - GreyThumb.Blog
March 23rd, 2007 · No Comments
I would like to comment on some of the issues this blog-post raises: An alternate hypothesis on Americans, Europeans, and evolution - GreyThumb.Blog
Quick summary of the above post:
Americans believe less in evolutionary theory because they are more likely to distrust authorities, and evolutionary theory is disseminated by authorities.
I think I can contribute some insights because [...]
Tags: philosophy of science
TED2007
March 22nd, 2007 · No Comments
I came upon TED a year ago and have since watched nearly all the videos: they are mind-expanding, inspiring, fascinating - they restore faith in the human race and give hope that we’ll make it yet (yes, these talks evoke this all! - watch some of them to know what I mean). I especially [...]
Tags: pointer · singularity
Map of Science
March 22nd, 2007 · No Comments
How cool, especially interesting for philosophy of science. A network graph with clusters of articles citing one another - in this way, a “map” of distinct scientific disciplines is constructed.
Map of Science
Technorati Tags: philosophy of science
Tags: philosophy of science
Mouth-To-Mouth CPR Not So Helpful?
March 22nd, 2007 · No Comments
This has nothing to do with my research whatsoever, but I think it’s kind of important:
Mouth-To-Mouth CPR Not So Helpful?, Study: Chest Compression Best Resuscitation For Cardiac Arrest - CBS News
Technorati Tags: health
Tags: general
Wikipedia
March 21st, 2007 · No Comments
Thank you Cathy for this super article, expanding on the idea of what wikipedia is actually about.
“We Can’t Ignore the Influence of Digital Technologies” Op Ed from Chronicle of Higher Education | HASTAC
Technorati Tags: internet
Tags: internet