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reason

The ill-Logics of Scientology


This article about Hubbard’s theories about logic and reason, called the “Logics,” was written for The Underground Bunker last week and is being re-published here so I’ll have a record of my work on my own blog too!

It’s a funny thing that lately it’s been more and more difficult for me to make sense of L. Ron Hubbard’s gibberish. This is inconvenient since I have made it a part of my life to criticize his writings and therefore, from time to time, I do have to actually go back and read the stuff. Going back into this stuff feels like the proverbial frog in the slowly boiling pot. The mind reels from the senseless generalities and bizarre conclusions Hubbard draws from the everyday vicissitudes of our flawed human lives.

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What is Critical Thinking?

Every single day, each one of us are assaulted with information. Facts and figures are thrown at us by the news media, advertisers, our boss, our subordinates, friends and family. Data comes in all different forms and varieties, from commercials claiming 4 out of 5 dentists recommend a particular toothpaste, to rumors about celebrities, to “facts” being taught to our children in schools. Just about every single person you run into or see or hear is feeding you information and claiming it is true.Read More »What is Critical Thinking?

Escaping the Prison of Belief

get out of jail free card

Critical thinking and logic have radically changed my life for the better. Unfortunately, when I bring up ‘critical thinking’ I notice that some people’s eyes seem to glaze over. People seem to think these are immensely philosophical and deep subjects which only college-educated intellectuals want to have anything to do with.

I’d like to break through that, so let’s talk about something really practical and useful, which also just happens to be the very heart and soul of critical thinking.Read More »Escaping the Prison of Belief

Logic is Fascinating

spock_logic2Critical thinking is all about being rational and logical. But for some people, these words make them think that critical thinking is boring, lifeless or dull. Or that you can’t be emotional or passionate or really care about what you are talking about. Yet scientists can be some of the most passionate and caring people you’ll ever meet.

Being a critical thinker isn’t some dry, unemotional approach to life. Unfortunately, it’s gotten kind of a bad rap in some popular shows because people like Mr. Spock on Star Trek (a show which I love, by the way) seem so cold-hearted and unattached. He’s always says that he finds things fascinating, but frankly he’s not exactly the life of the party.Read More »Logic is Fascinating