Comments for Hunting Humbug 101

Comment on www.skepticsfieldguide.net by Theo

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:10:16 +0000

Hi Luis. Appeal to Authority can be a subtle fallacy. As you say it depends on the example. As a rule of thumb authorities should be deferred to on matters of fact. However, when someone is making an argument it is fallacious to rely on the authority of a person only. They should explain why the authority holds their particlar position.

Comment on www.skepticsfieldguide.net by Luis

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 08:08:19 +0000

In a discussion recently, I thought the falacy of Authority was applicable, but I was corrected by the other side that this fallacy assumes that both sides have equal intellect, but unequal power. I don’t think this has to be true and depends on the circumstances, but I seek your input.

Thanks in advance, Luis Colorado

Comment on www.skepticsfieldguide.net by Robert

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:35:26 +0000

I love you guys! I admire the relationship between father and son. The podcasts are a great way for me to study and remember the fallacies in argument.

I can listen on room speakers but not headphones. Lately there’s something about the phasing of the stereo mic and a bit of distortion that’s not distracting when heard from speakers. Got plans for a remedy?

Thanks All.

Robert Hale Gilbert Arizona USA

Comment on Tutorial 34 - Psychoanalysing Tool by Jason

Sat, 26 Sep 2009 22:35:00 +0000

Great move to play a clip and let us listeners try to spot the fallacy. I’ve been hoping you would do this and would love to hear more of the same. Congrats on the new spawn!

Comment on Tutorial 29: The Slippery Slope by Michael

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 01:27:35 +0000

“If we don’t take a stand against people using the Slippery Slope - the world will implode under the weight of inanity.”

A good example of….a slippery slope argument.

Hello. Is this microphone on?

Comment on Episode 30 - Mind, Body, Wallet by Theo

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 13:02:32 +0000

Concentrating on not rolling my eyes was the hardest part. These people watch Harry Potter thinking it’s a documentary…

Comment on Episode 30 - Mind, Body, Wallet by Mark

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:53:52 +0000

10 minutes in I was getting a headache from listening to the BS those people were talking about. I am guessing they watch a few episodes of Catalyst noting all the scientific sounding words and repeat them at random.

Comment on Tutorial 28 - Argument by Slogan by huntinghumbug101

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 11:16:47 +0000

Thanks for that Dennis.

Comment on Tutorial 28 - Argument by Slogan by Dennis Bowden

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:29:36 +0000

Hi Theo and Jeff,

One of you spoke of the fourth estate on the last program and suggested it was linked to the three branches of government: executive, legislative and judicial. My understanding is that the fourth estate follows from the first, second and third estates of the états généraux (Estates General), which was the king’s advisory body that existed in France prior to 1789. The three estates were the clergy, the nobility and everyone else. Journalists became the fourth.

See ya Dennis

Comment on Tutorial 26: Begging the Question by Lee

Sat, 23 May 2009 10:24:27 +0000

Keep up the good work guys - nice little show you have.

I like to think I have learnt a lot from your podcasts, just don’t set up an exam to test me on any of it

Lee

Comment on Episode 15: On Belief - The Skeptic and The Psychic by Ken

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 09:16:01 +0000

loved it how did you keep a straight face

c u at work or on a different planet sometime