[Graph of my feed-reading habits over the last month, courtesy Google Reader.]
OK, maybe less “catching up” and more “declaring newsfeed bankruptcy.” I’ve been a wee bit busy for the past month or two (or three… shush!), and it’s not likely to let up for another month at least. Sorry about the relative radio silence. I [...]
Posted by Chris in Academia, Blog, News on December 27th, 2008 | 6 Comments »
or, What Democrats Don’t Understand About Morality
This is really fascinating stuff, folks.
Read this.
Then watch this:
And to quote from Jonathan Haidt’s article:
Here’s my alternative definition: morality is any system of interlocking values, practices, institutions, and psychological mechanisms that work together to suppress or regulate selfishness and make social life possible. It turns out that human [...]
Posted by Deb in Academia, Education, Government, Oddly Enough, Politics, Science on October 3rd, 2008 | No Comments »
This is a great article in National Geographic called Animal Minds.
Certain skills are considered key signs of higher mental abilities: good memory, a grasp of grammar and symbols, self-awareness, understanding others’ motives, imitating others, and being creative. Bit by bit, in ingenious experiments, researchers have documented these talents in other species, gradually chipping away at [...]
Posted by Deb in Academia, Animals, Cosmetically Enhanced Vertebrates, Evolution, Language on March 14th, 2008 | 3 Comments »
You read that right. Steven Pinker thinks so and I’m inclined to agree with much of his reasoning. “We’re Getting Nicer Every Day” is an html version of a pdf, so a bit messy, but you can always download it if you prefer…
Posted by Deana in Academia, Crime, Culture, History, Oddly Enough, Politics, Religion, Science on September 8th, 2007 | 1 Comment »
Those of you with an interest in things Chinese and para-Chinese (I’m looking at you. Ahem.) might be interested in reading the blog that anthropologist David K. Jordan has been maintaining while spending a semester teaching in Asia. It’s chock full of linguistic and religious observations, all with that pleasant snarkiness that DKJ has mastered.
Posted by Deana in Academia, Blog, Culture, Fun, Humor, Language, Religion, Travel on April 26th, 2007 | 2 Comments »
