Category Archives: How to Think Critically

A Dialogue about the Mind

  The Preface: James: I’ve been worrying about my mind, Stanley. Stanley: Oh no. For what reason? James: I don’t think it has the power I once thought it did. Stanley: What do you mean? James: Well, I used to … Continue reading

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Intellectual Pomposity

I’d like to address a certain pet-peeve of mine. Like many of my other pet-peeves, it is a methodological mistake: intellectual pomposity. No, I am not talking about that guy who is convinced he’s right regardless of what other people … Continue reading

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What is insanity? What is the standard of sanity? Are the close-minded insane?

I have always been fascinated with so-called “crazy” people. That guy on the sidewalk with the guitar every Sunday morning yelling about how Jesus was actually the devil. Serial killers who are literally obsessed with killing – something so horrifying … Continue reading

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Which comes first: head or heart?

The age-old question strikes again. Which is primary, your head or your heart? Given the emphasis I have placed on logical analysis, especially discovering necessary presuppositions, it should come as no shock that I think the heart should come before … Continue reading

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Why ideas control your life

The whole world revolves around ideas. Every decision you make is because of your ideas. In fact, all human action throughout history – every uttered word, every daily choice, every conscious movement – is directed by the ideas and beliefs … Continue reading

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Precise Communication: Concrete or Abstract? Even possible?

I am a fan of precise communication. Big time. However, I wonder how accurately humans really communicate. You understand these words, right? No problem. Well, let’s examine that a little deeper (it might seem tedious, but hang in there): The … Continue reading

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Three a week: Education

It is difficult to think of anything more important than education. Three questions: Question 1: Why education? Humans have to balance a lot of things in their lifetime. Should we spend time getting educated, enjoying our family and friends, learning … Continue reading

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Three a week: Justification

People who value truth seek justification for their beliefs. Three questions: Question 1: Is there a method to proper “justification”? Should all justification for a belief rest on empirical evidence? If there is no “tangible” evidence to believe in something, … Continue reading

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Three a week: Contradictions

This post is about contradictions, and this post is not about contradictions. Three questions: Question 1: Why do contradictions sound alluring? “They went to a world where 2 became 3, where good became evil, and hot was cold.” Ooooooh! How … Continue reading

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What is real?

Two separate questions: What is real? And, what is “real”? The former is a grand metaphysical question. The latter, a question about the definition of “real”.  Because we should always attempt to define our terms, here is a standard definition … Continue reading

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