Guest Thinkers — December 21, 2010

The Big Question

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

Yemen and fears of secession is the topic of the “Big Question” over at World Policy Journal’s blog. I helped a bit with the project – not in putting it together, as I have no technical expertise, but I did answer some questions.

A weekly newsletter featuring the biggest ideas from the smartest people

A black and white image of a bunch of spheres, symbolizing the multiverse concept discussed by scientists.

Starts With A Bang

How logic and reasoning can fail as scientific tools

In logic, ‘reductio ad absurdum’ shows how flawed arguments fall apart. Our absurd Universe, however, often defies our intuitive reasoning.

An AI-generated illustration of a man sitting at a desk, accompanied by thought-provoking poetry.

Thinking

Can AI write authentic poetry?

Cognitive psychologist and poet Keith Holyoak explores whether artificial intelligence could ever achieve poetic authenticity.

Charles bridge in prague, czech republic.

Neuropsych

An untold story of LSD psychotherapy in communist Czechoslovakia

Uncovering the story of Milan Hausner, the Sadská clinic, and LSD psychotherapy behind the Iron Curtain.

The Present

The plastic paradox: How plastics went from elephant saviors to eco-villains

Do the benefits of plastics outweigh the costs?

A group of people holding signs that say we demand voting rights now.

The Present

Does democracy lead to better health?

There is a cross-country correlation between democracy and health. Is there good evidence to suggest it is causal?

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Guest Thinkers

Make sure you read this: Firsthand from Sa’dah

This is an extraordinarily powerful piece of writing from an aid worker, Saddam al-Abdeeni, in Sa’dah.