Free Will Vs Free Choice

Free Will Vs Free Choice

In watching a recent discussion about "free will", I was surprised as to how quickly the discussion got confused by conflating "free choice" with "free will".[Day 2, Afternoon, First Session: …
The Power Grab Of Science Vs Critical Theory

The Power Grab Of Science Vs Critical Theory

Those who know the meaning of ‘third culture’, know that since the days when it was lamented that the members of the intellectual elite would not even know the second law of thermodynamics, the land…
Genomic Liberty? No, You Don't 'Own' Your Genes

Genomic Liberty? No, You Don't 'Own' Your Genes

If 41 percent of the human genome is covered by longer DNA patents that often cover whole genes, and so many genes share similar sequences within their genetic structure that if all of the "short…
UK Doctors Who Have Given Placebos: 97 Percent

UK Doctors Who Have Given Placebos: 97 Percent

If you're a taxpayer in the UK, you get medical care for free - even if it's nothing at all. A survey  conducted by the Universities of Oxford and Southampton found that 97% of UK doctors…
Where Are The Honest Atheists?

Where Are The Honest Atheists?

Damon Linker at theweek.com laments yet another new atheist manifesto, this time by British “philosopher” Grayling with his forthcoming book “The God Argument”.  Damon is looking for me it seems…
On The Causal Completeness Of Physics, Part I

On The Causal Completeness Of Physics, Part I

As readers of this blog know, I am not sympathetic to extreme reductionism, and reject both it and determinism in favor of a robust concept of emergence. Of course, I think a moderate epistemic…
Buddhism, Epicureanism, And Stoicism

Buddhism, Epicureanism, And Stoicism

However many holy words you read, however many you speak, what good will they do you if you do not act on upon them? (Buddha) It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the…