Fact and fallacy
Steven Poole and John Dugdale on Bad Thoughts |
Bad Thoughts, by Jamie Whyte (Corvo, £8.99)
The bad thoughts under discussion here are not tempting visions of wrongdoing, such as punching a slow payer at the supermarket checkout, but bad forms of reasoning. Whyte's "guide to clear thinking" analyses numerous rhetorical devices, such as the argument to authority, inconsistency, begging the question, "morality fever", and so on. Using examples from radio talk shows and statements by politicians and scientists, he ruthlessly exposes logical flaws and sheer nonsense (there is an entire chapter, too, on management jargon) in likably angry and witty style.
He invents a religion called Blytonism ("only those who worship Enid Blyton as the creator of the cosmos will go to Heaven"), denies that anyone has a right to their own opinion, and complains that "The Motive Fallacy is so common in politics that serious policy debate is almost non-existent".
The problem is that politicians probably know exactly what they are doing, but continue to do it anyway.
Haven't come across this one before!
" A kind heart always brings its own reward," said Mrs. Lee.
- The Christmas Tree Aeroplane - Society Member
Neither have I, Pete, thankfully.
I'm not sure about Enid creating the cosmos but she certainly created some magical worlds for us all to explore and enjoy.
Sounds bizarre! I can't say I've ever viewed Enid Blyton as a deity but she was a sort of mentor to me in some ways as she helped entertain, encourage, guide and inspire me just as a favourite aunt might - except Enid Blyton's influence came through her stories.
"Heyho for a starry night and a heathery bed!" - Jack, The Secret Island.
"There is no bond like the bond of having read and liked the same books."
- E. Nesbit, The Wonderful Garden.
John Pickup wrote:Neither have I, Pete, thankfully.
I'm not sure about Enid creating the cosmos but she certainly created some magical worlds for us all to explore and enjoy.
Absolutely!!! She created some magical worlds and characters and the proof of the strength of her creation is the fact that this forum has so many members united in their appreciation of MOST(!!) of her creations
pete9012S wrote:
He invents a religion called Blytonism ("only those who worship Enid Blyton as the creator of the cosmos will go to Heaven")
Anita Bensoussane wrote: Sounds bizarre! I can't say I've ever viewed Enid Blyton as a deity but she was a sort of mentor to me in some ways as she helped entertain, encourage, guide and inspire me just as a favourite aunt might - except Enid Blyton's influence came through her stories.
In the beginning Enid Blyton created the heaven and the earth.
And the earth was without books, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the shelves.
And Enid said, Let there be Noddy: and there was Noddy.
And Enid saw Noddy, that he was good;
And Enid said, Let us create more and more Noddy stories: and let him have dominion over all the earth...
(couldn't resist, sorry )
Society Member
It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
Absolutely crazy. We all know the one true religion is Julianity...
"It's the ash! It's falling!" yelled Julian, almost startling Dick out of his wits...
"Listen to its terrible groans and creaks!" yelled Julian, almost beside himself with impatience.
It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
Nah, Dick is a disciple of Julianity. He asks himself WWJD? before he acts.
"It's the ash! It's falling!" yelled Julian, almost startling Dick out of his wits...
"Listen to its terrible groans and creaks!" yelled Julian, almost beside himself with impatience.
And George is the heretical rebel apostate, of course.
Society Member
It was a nuisance. An adventure was one thing - but an adventure without anything to eat was quite another thing. That wouldn't do at all. (The Valley of Adventure)
Yeah George is not a fan of male deities lording it over the women.
"It's the ash! It's falling!" yelled Julian, almost startling Dick out of his wits...
"Listen to its terrible groans and creaks!" yelled Julian, almost beside himself with impatience.
And on the sixth day, Enid Blyton created THE FAMOUS FIVE and THE SECRET SEVEN... and thereby allowed both Serieses, with the help of others, to be adapted for print, radio, cinema and television. [But since then, the Devil doth intervene and, well, thou knowest the Result!]
And on the seventh day, Enid Blyton rested... but not before allowing for the creation (in future years) of a nationally-devoted Fan Club, and after that a Society, to continue promoting Her works and singing Her praises, as well as to allow past Enid Blyton TV series actors and actresses to come ’round and speak of their experiences.
Sounds bizarre! I can't say I've ever viewed Enid Blyton as a deity but she was a sort of mentor to me in some ways as she helped entertain, encourage, guide and inspire me just as a favourite aunt might - except Enid Blyton's influence came through her stories.
