Author Archives: jackpelham

The Sole Reform Fallacy

Posted on September 20, 2013 by jackpelham

I have coined the term Sole Reform Fallacy (or Sole Remedy Fallacy) to name a cognitive error I have seen frequently in play with regard to politics and religion.  Here is its definition. Sole Reform Fallacy—the error of judgment by … Continue reading →

Posted in Dysrationalia, Logic, Pelham's Laws, Politics, Religion | Leave a comment

Writing for a Global Audience

Posted on September 19, 2013 by jackpelham

The following article was written with these goals in mind: To be readily understood by all. To be offensive to no one. To be considered relevant and timely to all. To spur everyone on while discouraging no one.

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My Favorite Movies and Why

Posted on September 17, 2013 by jackpelham

This list is a work in progress.  In no particular order (at this time): Phenomenon George Malley (John Travolta) mysteriously finds himself with new mental energy for Type 2 cognitive processes.  He realizes many of his previous cognitive errors, invents … Continue reading →

Posted in Paradigms | Leave a comment

Over a Thousand Funerals

Posted on September 12, 2013 by jackpelham

Ralph:  You know, they say that Brother Billy is really popular.  He has preached over a thousand funerals in this county! Dale:  That guy’s not really that popular; I think his reputation comes mostly from poor communication.

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On the Folly of Specialism

Posted on September 12, 2013 by jackpelham

So where did we ever come up with the idea that the ideal achievement in knowledge is to become a specialist? A generalist knows how a thousand things fit together, but the typical specialist knows only his particular specialty, and … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Paradigms, Science | Leave a comment

My Constant Frustration

Posted on August 17, 2013 by jackpelham

I live my life under the constant frustration that things of fundamental and preeminent importance must so frequently take a back seat to the practical business of being a worker/consumer cog in the prevailing economic machine.  And the machine does … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Ambitions, Character, Consumerism, Dysrationalia | Leave a comment

Consumers Make The World Go ‘Round

Posted on July 31, 2013 by jackpelham

Of all the millions of products, services, ideas, and causes that some salesman would deliberately try to sell you, how many of them are actually GOOD for you? And how many are actually BAD for you? How many would actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Consumerism | Leave a comment

One in One Hundred Thousand

Posted on July 25, 2013 by jackpelham

Do you see the white speck in the black field below?  I picked these colors for maximum contrast.  There are about 100,000 pixels in this square and only one of them isn’t black. I estimate that about 1 in 100,000 … Continue reading →

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You Are Only Half Right About Bias

Posted on July 19, 2013 by jackpelham

bi’·as noun an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially : a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment : prejudice ——————————— I observe that you are only half right about bias, friend.  You are spot on with what you think already, but … Continue reading →

Posted in Character, Dysrationalia, Philosophy | Leave a comment

The “Let It Shine” Fallacy

Posted on July 8, 2013 by jackpelham

There is a very common fallacy of sorts in our American culture.  It has to do with activism, patriotism, religious fervor, and so forth, and it goes something like this: “I’m going to let my little light shine, and from … Continue reading →

Posted in Activism, Logic, Politics, Religion | Leave a comment