Conservatism and Progressivism, Standard Style

On the Standard is a new poster that has written a sort of primer on progressivism and conservatism. I'm not too sure what the point of it is - you can get a more lucid, balanced perspective on wikipedia (to which it links). It's more of a vessel for the author to say that conservativism appeals to simple people, and other such enlightening generalisations.

This is why I like reading the Standard, and for the same reason, Kiwiblog. They have their moments of being very right, but it shows so often that they just do not seem to be able to understand other points of view. I find this interesting. I would not consider myself a conservative. But there are highly educated, philosophically sophisticated conservatives, and calling them simple and antithetical to reason would be beyond my conceit.

A Theory of Forgetting

Something particularly relevant to me, perhaps.

At TAR Brian Weatherston summarises a basic theory of forgetting.

S forgets that p iff at one time S knows that p, and at a later time, S does not know that p.

He then lists counterexamples - for example, if S dies then S no longer knows that p, but clearly has not forgotten.

But the real suffering of this theory is that it specifies no concept of what it means to know something in the first place. Forgetting is an event that occurs subsequent to knowledge, so to ascertain whether something has been forgotten we must be able to tell whether or not it is known in the first place. This is a deficiency exploited by the other counterexamples he gives.

Obviously this is a little bit of a tricky question. But it seems to me that a theory of forgetting is entirely contingent on it.

Academic Discipline Rankings

By hotness, obviously.
I am pleased that political science and philosophy are both up there, disappointed but unsurprised about maths and economics.

This creates a new dilemma for someone like me who studies fields of disparate hotness rankings. Say I were to go into academia, should I go into economics and hope that I stand out by comparison? Or should I move into political science or philosophy and hope that the generally more attractive nature of these disciplines rubs off on me in some way?

Most perplexing. Perhaps I will just become a fireman.














Alan Greenspan laughs
off econ's low score.

Best Headline Ever

Porn Industry Seeking Stimulus.

'Too Big To Fail' now takes on a whole new meaning.

In Defence of Noam


Noam Chomsky's influence as a thinker is immense, and it is unfortunate that he has come to be judged largely by his political thought. Tom's post below is a case in point, and a cursory reading of his work could support the picture of a slightly cantankerous and senile critic of US foreign policy, a mere 'good writer'. But the great man deserves more than this. Chomsky's enduring contribution to human knowledge does indeed stem from his linguistic work, so a brief dose of CHOM 101 might help set this in context.

In the first half of the 20th century, a dominant school of thought held that human behaviour was best explained in terms of an input/output machine, since the brain itself was impenetrable and irreducibly complex. Behaviourism, as this insidious movement was known, is preposterous because it postulates that our minds are blank slates and have no innate mechanisms to do anything. Apparently, all human behaviour is nothing but a process of social conditioning and environmental learning.

But cometh the hour, cometh Noam. In the mid 50s, as a young firebrand linguist working at MIT he destroyed the behaviourist programme by elucidating the human linguistic faculty. He showed that our rich patterns of speech and understanding simply cannot follow from the limited amount of language we are exposed to, and that an expanation of such a key feature of human behaviour is incoherent without invoking an innate ability of the mind. His 1959 review of BF Skinner's book Verbal Behaviour is the most concise statement of his crushing rebuttal.

Chomsky's virtuosity ignited what is now known as the cognitive revolution which continues apace, bringing together research strands from psychology, anthropology, philosophy and computer science to forge a far more complete and satisfying understanding of the human condition. The vestigal traces of behavioursim have been banished to the poststructuralists and the postmodernists, and lack mainstream currency in the cognitive sciences. In my view, this is a victory.

The humanities and the social sciences have long shyed away from a rigourous examination of the explanatory hypotheses they take for granted. A serious attempt to understand and explain our social, cultural and political worlds can only be forged once we can understand the nature of people, the atomic constituents of society. Why are we such prosocial primates? How rational are we really? These are the questions which we need to illuminate, and Noam Chomsky was the first to travel down the only path which can coherently answer them.

Blogroll

Notebook Sony
Environmental Learning
Laws and Theories
Offerte Netbook
Villas and Apartments
Best Marketing Strategies
The Best Online Dating Tips
Christmas Holidays
Learning Web Design
Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control
Emergency Cash Loans
Brain Radiation Treatment
Construction Jobs and Careers
Business Funding Solutions
Prescription Drug Information
Drug Rehabilitation care
Better Economy Calculator
Printing Supplies and Accessories
Sports Training Academy
Western Inc
Chinese Rehabilitation Center
Chinese Treatment Centre
Golden Pacific Apartment
Human Rights Watch
Business Travel Industry
Healthy During Pregnancy
Top Media Agencies
Auto Dealer and Business
Liberty Capital Financial
Auto Parts and Auto Accessories
Educational Ideals
Automotive Mechanic
Holiday Vacations and Travel
Weddings and Honeymoons
Home Repair Projects
Manufacture Real Estate Investing
Entertainment Express
Employees Insurance Agency
Diet and Fitness Tips
Architectural Design on Real Estate
Jewelry and Accessories
Journal of Health Medical Informatics
Nights and Holiday
Recreational Sports and Facilities
generation
Top Media Agencies Automotive Mechanic Recreational Sports and Facilities Teahouse Restaurant Healthy Families and Relationships Better Homes and Gardens Moving and Storage Services Greener Business Lawyer and Attorney Careers Best Business Opportunities Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery Website Design and Online Marketing Planning Strategy for Writing High and Low Finance Home and Property Insurance Health and safety Construction
Newtown Solutions
Business and Keeping Records
Hypnotherapy and Spiritual
Computing and Software Systems
Web and Graphic Design
Web Games Graphic
Web Graphics Tutorial
Computer Graphics Technology
anabolic steroids
dietpittsburgh
loseweightpittsburgh
notquietart
mswlea
fatlosspittsburgh
bmipittsburgh
allstonbrighton
nutrisystpittsburgh
obesitypittsburgh
calmart
personaltrainerspittsburgh
jenycraipittsburgh
curvepittsburgh
richardsandgeorgia
robsonandrichards
News Fashion
Auto Insurance
Business Online
Prevent Drugs
Computer Society
Wedding Ring Jewelry
Austria hotel deals
Computer games USA
Studio Design Decorative
Journalism Careers
Gaming Accessories Computing
Business Strategy Consultant
Cefori Technologies Information
Physics and Astronomy
Legal Defense and Educational
Business, Finance and Investment
Starting A Business
Economics Working Papers
Real Estate Investing Resources
Marketing Lessons and Training
SEO Marketing Solution
Sales Marketing Tools
Chlamydia Test – STD Home Tests – STI Tests
Safety Health Training
Essay Writing and Research Paper
Childrens Education
World of Mushrooms
Cancer Care Resources
Installment Loans Online Source
Real Estate and Home for Sale
Find Cheap Vacation Packages
Modern Healthy Lifestyle, Nutrition and Fitness
Pikes Peak International Raceway
Down Syndrome Research and Treatment
Knight Online World
Creative Handbook
Home Improvement and Remodeling
E-Commerce Learning
Custom Essay Writing and Research Paper
Online Education
Insurance and Finance
Cancer Treatment Resources
Renewable Energy Resources
Health's HIV/Aids Medical Care
Daily Discount Coupons
Hotels and Resorts
Limo and Car Services
Dental Health and Fluoride Treatment
Possum Point Players
Motorhome Advice and Tips
Disease Research Center
e-Consultation Technologies
Wedding Supply Catalogs
Computer Imaging for Medical Applications
Wedding and Engagement Rings
Webcam Modeling
Healthcare Technology
House Architecture Design Garden Advice
Real Estate and Property
Luxury Weddings Planners
Laws, Legal and Attorneys Information
Alcohol Rehab And Drug Addiction Treatment
Vintage Clothing and Jewelry
College of Education
Federation British Lawyer Society
Windows Networking Solutions User Group
Free Open Source Software
Internet Storage Name Service
On-line Real Estate System Information
Worker Safety and Health
Occupational Safety and Health
Workplace Safety and Health
Health and Safety at Work
Health and Safety Training
Occupational Safety and Health Training
OSHA Safety and Health
OSHA Training and Safety Program
OSHA and Workplace Safety Training
Occupational Safety and Health Program
OSHA Training and Reference
Healthy Mind and Body
Personal Loans Bad Credit
Technology and Communication
Cash Advance Payday Loans Online
Climate Dialogue
State Science and Engineering
Prague City Golf
Green Home Plans
Arts, Entertainment , Music, Film, Television, Opera Ballet
Kitchen and Bathroom Design
Online Poker Rankings and Internet Poker Player Stats
Business Enterprise Management
Lawyer, Attorney, Law Firms, Attorneys, Legal Information
Workplace Safety and Health
Health Club, Gym and Fitness Center
Pbs Technology Solutions
Global Audit Services
Sterling Health and Wellness
Luxury Real Estate
Auto Body Repair | Automotive Concepts
Green Public Housing
Even Design
Web Hosting and Development
Hotel Deals and Reviews
Expanding Your Life
Shopping and Style
Find the Best College for You
Motorhomes
Home Equity Loans
Residency Training Program
Tips on Writing Newspaper Editorial Format
Social Media Marketing Tips
Occupational Health and Safety
European Law and Economics
Technology and Science Information
Celebrate Travel and Tourism
Island travel destination guides
Small Business and Finance
Art and Entertainment Information
Antique Flooring and Carpet Tiles
Gay and Lesbian Couples
Deep Insurance Solutions
FindLaw Lawyers Directory
Beverly Hills Spa and Hotel
Travel Tips and Guide
Most Popular TV Shows
Discount Online Shopping
Heart Disease Symptoms
Women's Health
Graduate Institute for Development Studies
Cirius Technologies USA
SEO Tips and Strategies
Medicinal Products: Prescription
The Importance of Education Programs
Skin Care, Acne Treatment, Anti Aging, Beauty and Skin Lotion
Natural Health and Beauty
Computer and Internet
Get The Cheapest Flight Deals
Plastic Surgery, Cosmetic Surgery and Hair Transplant
Custom Software and Web Design
Love Bites
Island Real Estate
Perfect Home Living
Home Improvement and Remodeling
Loans Online
Essay Writing Help - Essay Writing Service
Feelings and Emotions
Stock Market Financial Markets
Free Recipe Home
Online Casino Club
Residential Real Estate Investment
21
22
23
24
25
26
wash vanilla taksi tampere simply cotton web design qualifax ccccsvs czagh Hypnotherapy and Spiritual Computing and Software Systems Cheap Hotel Rooms Real Estate Sales and Liquidation Central Clothing Web Service Clients Museum Studies Insurance Services Internet service Traveling Hotel Reviews Information Legal News Health Casino Gambling Health and Drugs News Fashion Auto Insurance Business Online Prevent Drugs Michigan Apartments Digital Entertainment Real Estate and Property Quality Natural Herbal Medicine estate quality Products Travel synergistic literature safety industry Game Spare Parts Automotive Fashion Store Design Contractors in Real Estate Career Lawyer Information Stores for Home Improvement Clothing Stores Online Golf Equipment Shops Loan Amounts and Rates Media Section Publications Business Marketing Campaigns Computer communications Sports and Fitness Trainers Gaming Club Online Home Decorating and Staging Medical Supplies and Equipment Homes and Gardens Furniture Business Print and Design Business Print Services Hotel Reservation Information Travelling Family Creative Kids Education Centre Science Educator Guide Commerce and Industry Social Network Innovation Technologies and Environmental Media Writing Tips Innovation in Travel Housing and Real Estate Holiday Activity Guide Clean Water for Health Quotes About Education Pioneer Law Ultimate Foods for Ultimate Health Identity and Access Management Software Efficient Healthcare Medical Leadership and Management Pride of Texas Real Estate Information Marketing Business Favorite Health Blogs Complementary and Alternative Medicine Healthy Nourishment Natural Healthy Food Cowtown Tour Dates and Tickets Professional Coin Grading Service Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy Holiday Activity Guide Sport Education Program Clean Water for Health Quotes About Education Online Fashion Shopping Guide World Business Information Life Insurance Systems Social Network Radio Education Books for Kids Institute of Medicine Hot Medical Careers Drugs and Supplements Marketing Strategies For Business Search Engine Marketing Online Gambling Games News Entertainment and Arts Entertainment News For Kids Information Architecture Institute of Technology Learning Games For Kids Internet Marketing Services Home Improvement Loans Physics Lab Equipment Education and Science Society Electronic and Computer Engineering Prom Dresses Modest Your Baby Book movingimage abc depannage koncepcja well shops kvadro bowwow heisinger 2012 funtime travel shop scati elmhurst dance education mentors zoomy stech1 life simpli fied self publish pay day loans
life insurance quotes
Credit Loans (finance)
Foreign Auto Parts
Health and Fitness
Drug abuse effects
Destination hotels and resorts
Professional Financial Marketing
Personal Finance
Computers and Technology
Auto Insurance
Real Estate Property
Computer Graphics Technology
Home Improvement
Arts music schools
Online Education Classes
Hotel and Travel
Security development program
Business auto loans
Medical And Public Health Organizations
Land and Homes
azplanningforwildlife.com m2tvchannel.com bapedaldaprovjambi.com kreis-dl.net news-1212.com landratsamt-doebeln.net landkreis-doebeln.net canadiangoldreserves.net chicagohearse.com tattooremovalessex.com braziltrade-uae.com 333asia.com calliemacdesigns.com gemdoc.net simplefoodjuiceplus.com postabortionstresssyndrome.com descendingpath.com casadopinhole.net myspeechandlanguage.net sezambook.com rerecognition.info bebetsy.info carsoncitybraces.info summitcardiology.info sanfojiangsi.info trailheadgeararchery.info immigrationconnect.info nhhomeless.info tundradialogues.info ibexretail.com kreis-dl.com agiles-eam.com bestbcgolfcourse.com niittyneito.com yenikapimevlevihanesi.com hnr100.com eplogin.com richard-wagner-festival.com landratsamt-doebeln.com lra-doebeln.com terrecatalane.com thesmarterhybrids.com