Comments on: The war for our minds is waged over neither facts nor opinions

By: QL

QL — Thu, 22 Jun 2017 00:57:11 +0000

The reason why “Russell Conjugation” is an obscure concept is that the basic idea is very well known, ancient, and continually discussed. The classical term is “paradiastole”; nearly every major modern philosopher has some amusing set-piece on the subject. Russell’s version simply makes no distinctive or original contribution.

By: Chris C.

Chris C. — Sat, 17 Jun 2017 11:33:43 +0000

Asking the participants in a discussion to agree, in advance, on definitions of key terms often exposes those inclined to use emotional terms and floating (changing) word meanings.

By: Graham

Graham — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 14:54:27 +0000

In an episode of “Yes Minister”, Bernard replies to some comment by the Minister about his predecessor:

“That’s one of those irregular verbs, isn’t it? I give confidential press briefings. You leak. He has been charged under the Official Secrets Act.”

By: Talnik

Talnik — Fri, 16 Jun 2017 11:28:29 +0000

This is nothing new. I learned this in the ’60s when studying how governments manipulated their populations in the world wars and beyond. A simple propaganda tool, prevalant in education and mass media. They just have a new name for it.

By: Slovenian Guest

Slovenian Guest — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 19:30:10 +0000

You don’t need “facts” when you care!

It’s not like the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

By: Ross

Ross — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 14:34:51 +0000

My tribe is (far) more influential than my Funk and Wagnall’s, aye.