Critical Thinking.
10 random takeaways.
1.
A red herring is not an argument. It’s a distraction. An ad hominem is also a distraction, but one aimed at the person, rather than the claim. Both shift attention away from evidence and reasoning. While these tactics can feel persuasive, no argument, for or against, has actually been made.
2.
Quote:
- Socrates.
- 399 BCE.
The essence of the phrase “I know that I know nothing” originates from Plato’s Apology, where Socrates reflects on his reputation for wisdom. While not a direct quote, Plato attributes to Socrates the idea that true wisdom comes from recognizing one’s own ignorance. I think Socrates wants you to uncover the truth, no matter what it is, reconcile it with your beliefs, and make sense of it in a way that is consistent with common knowledge.
3.
From History: 451 BCE
Law slows judgment so public claims can be tested fairly. Created in 451 BCE, the Law of the Twelve Tables was a response to plebeian protests against patrician rule. The Twelve Tables addressed various aspects of Roman life, such as legal proceedings, debt, family roles, and criminal punishments, illustrating early efforts to balance power between classes and promote legal fairness in society.
4.
The fake Einstein driver story reminds us that meaningful stories are not automatically true stories. History depends on sources, testimony, documents, and verification. A legend can still teach humility or simplicity, but without evidence, confidence should stay low. Believe the lesson if it helps; question the history until it is supported.
5.
Quote:
- William Kingdon Clifford.
- 1877.
Belief is not just private. What you believe shapes you and the world around you. Although his suggestion is stricter than most like, I think he wants you to treat belief as a responsibility: seek evidence where you can, stay humble where you cannot, and do not let wishful thinking do the work of truth.
6.
From History: Born 1864.
Lived from 1864 to 1920, aged 56 years.
Max Weber showed that people obey authority not because it is morally right, but because it appears legitimate within a recognized structure. As societies modernize, authority shifts from persons to systems. The rules, offices, and procedures make obedience feel responsible even for immoral actions.
7.
TST Term.
An empirical pragmatist adopts a worldview that seeks to evaluate ideas by their alignment with the material world before judging their usefulness. If an idea does not survive observation, evidence, or repeatable testing, it is not treated as true. Practical success matters, but reality gets the final vote on truth.
8.
Quote:
- Carl Sagan.
- 1979.
To live well through secular spirituality, explore the intangible while staying accountable to reality. Let your experiences deepen purpose, strengthen character, and build connections—but calibrate your beliefs: embrace what aligns with observation, question what does not, and hold the unknown with humility.
9.
From History: Protection against authority.
Emerged in the 1600s.
Rooted in Locke’s defense of natural rights, due process is not about outcomes—it’s about restraint. It forces power to move slowly, predictably, and transparently.
10.
A property describes what something is like. It is a feature, quality, or characteristic that a concrete object or abstract entity has, or is described as having. Some properties can change; others cannot. To take or keep control of your life, learn which ones you can influence and which ones reality asks you to accept.
The End. Refresh for another set.