How could it be possible? It is miraculous! » « Why I am an atheist – Siobhan Duffey

The Skepticism of Russell Blackford

A clamor has arisen to elevate a comment by psanity to the top. What is it with this poetry stuff that resonates in our brains?

The Skepticism of Russell Blackford

In situations safe or septic,
It’s always best to be a skeptic.
Confronted by a mugger’s gun,
I query, “Is that loaded, son?”
I note, when opening ticking mail
that such devices often fail.
Tornado warning? Oh, no fear –
Statistically, it won’t hit here.

Threatened by some shady guys?
Don’t take precautions, analyze.
Being careful compromises
Skeptical hypothesise-es
When climbing on the mountain slopes,
I’m much too skeptical for ropes.
Some say this logic’s inside-out;
I don’t know what they’re on about.

Experience that millions share?
I don’t see it; it’s not there.
Your citations on this matter
sound to me like anecdata.
I write fiction; I’m a pro
and used to be a lawyer so
always be sure you wait for me
to tell you what it is you see.

Skeptical study is my trump;
I, to conclusions, never jump.
Let’s get some data on that humming –
Bus? I never saw it coming.

How could it be possible? It is miraculous! » « Why I am an atheist – Siobhan Duffey

Comments

  4. miraxpath says

    Psanity for the win!First that awesome post on NPO management taking JREF and Grothe to task and now this. Blackford proved himself an ass last year during elevatorgate and has covered his misogynist self in glory once more.He deserves this. Poor Ophelia considered him a friend not so long ago.

  6. Crip Dyke, MQ, Right Reverend Feminist FuckToy of Death & Her Handmaiden says

    Buffy Summers:

    “I didn’t jump to conclusions. I took a tiny step, and there conclusions were!”

  7. says

    I think between them Russell Blackford and Thunderf00t (that’s hard to type on a predictive phone keyboard!) have taught me more about unconscious privilege than anyone else this week. (DJ Grothe is still champeen though.)

    All of these are guys I generally respect for their insight, but in watching them try to explain away the problem I’ve truly come to appreciate the nature of the blind spot. I’m trying hard to examine my own attitudes more closely as a result.

  9. psanity says

    Good, but no Cuttlefish.

    Well, that’s what I thought.

    Thanks, everyone, very very much. Glad you enjoyed it.

    @Brian Murtagh:

    I feel much the same. The last year or so has not so much opened my eyes as given me a fresh look, lots of hard information, deeper understanding, and better language with which to express myself regarding privilege, sexuality, feminism, and humanism.

    The bloggers and commenters of FTB have provided most of this education, and I am so grateful for FTB and all of you. I also appreciate the will and endurance of Pharyngula’a most outspoken commenters. This is important.

    I now have more must-read blogs than I can handle.