Monthly Archives: April 2009
When even the NYT notices, it’s obvious
From the New York Times: The Internet is no longer just an essential channel for commerce, entertainment and information. It has also become a stage for state control — and rebellion against it. Computers are becoming more crucial in global … Continue reading
Filed under Censorship, Internet filtering
An ancient cladogram
As I investigate the use of tree diagrams in the nineteenth century, I keep running across things that shouldn’t be there. One of them was this book: Herdman, William Abbott. 1885. A Phylogenetic Classification of Animals (For the Use of … Continue reading
Filed under Evolution, History, Species and systematics
Antivaxer story on the way
Although Sunday Night did a very good story on the antivaccination campaign’s cost in lives, it now looks like they will do a follow up that takes the antivaxxer line, if the appearance in the ads of Australia’s least accurate … Continue reading
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Filed under General Science
So many bad puns, so little time
Wilkins is fragile and destablised Intellectual tourist attacks local inhabitants All happy bacteria are alike (or is that like each other?) Australian current affairs gets vaccination right! [That's not a pun, it's an act of God] The original video is … Continue reading
Are creationists rational?
My Synthese essay has finally been published [paywall], in which I argue that on the basis of the more realistic notion of rationality devised by Herbert Simon, called “bounded rationality”, certain heuristics are liable to lead people to rationally choose … Continue reading
Filed under Creationism and Intelligent Design, Education
I’m back. Now for sleep
Sorry to sound Tweatish, but I’ve had about 4 hours sleep in the past 40 (I can’t sleep on planes even with chemical assistance). I loved Lisbon, and the people who invited and paid for me to go were amazingly … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative
Science and religion for individuals and organisations
Suppose you have a religion and are interested in science. Do you a. Have to give up your religion b. Have to abandon your effort to find out about the natural world through science c. Try to find some accommodation? … Continue reading
Ooh, cool!
“Few topics have engaged biologists and philosophers more than the concept of species, and arguably no idea is more important for evolutionary science. John S. Wilkins’ book combines meticulous historical and philosophical analysis and thus provides new insights on the … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative, Book, Species and systematics
Slowly being seduced by Portugal
I gave my talk today on tree thinking at the local science museum for kids and the general public, which is amazingly popular. The Portuguese seem to hold science and knowledge in high esteem. Which is great. The Ciências Viva … Continue reading
Filed under Administrative, History
