reblog.jointselecta.net

The distributions of reaction times are always positively skewed, which seems to reflect two independent processes: a normal gaussian distribution of reaction times, in addition to an exponentially-decaying distribution of a few very long trials. Measures of this reaction time (RT) variability show surprisingly strong correlations with fluid intelligence, and have been interpreted to […]

In his most recent column, David Brooks argues that the new discoveries of neuroscience and biology have confirmed the conservative view of human nature.
Sometimes a big idea fades so imperceptibly from public consciousness you don’t even notice until it has almost disappeared. Such is the fate of the belief in natural human goodness.
This belief, most […]

From the New York Times Book Review:
How many artists subscribe to the notion that creative success depends on input from the fickle muse or her modern avatar, mental illness? Probably very few. Like all romantic conceits, it fails to acknowledge the grubby reality of mortal life, in this case the dedicated, often torturous labor a […]

10th Annual Lecture:
The Drive to Love
The Biology and Evolution of Romantic Love
Guest Lecturer: Helen Fisher, Ph.D
Research Professor, Center for Human Evolutionary Studies Department of Anthropology, Rutgers University, and author of Why We Love
Monday, March 27, 2006 - 4:30 PM
Event videos:
* View a video of the Helen […]

Julia Stuart in The Independent:
Love can be divided into three entities: lust, romance and attachment, according to anthropologist Dr Helen Fisher, who has been studying the subject for 32 years. These three brain systems can operate in any order and in any combination. You can fall in love with someone before you sleep with them; […]

Jody Rosen in Slate:
As the poet said, there’s a fine line between clever and stupid. But must one choose sides? Not if you listen to “Stewy” by D.B.’z, a rap group from Vallejo, Calif. The song is propelled by a deliriously catchy beat—big wobbly bassline, blasts of keyboard fuzz, and what sounds like a schoolyard […]

dawkins idea youtube

Breakthrough Ideas for 2007
Our annual survey of emerging ideas considers how nanotechnology will affect commerce, what role hope plays in leadership, and why, in an age that practically enshrines accountability, we need to beware of “accountabalism.”

The HBR List: Breakthrough Ideas for 2007
economy idea sociology

Quelque 56% des Noirs de France se déclarent «discriminés», révèle la première enquête jamais réalisée sur la population noire, provoquant un choc dans un pays où la loi interdit les comptages ethniques.
France - Les Noirs s’invitent à la présidentielle
Originally from RFI - Actualité monde

Philip Kitcher in the Oxford University Press blog:

[Kitcher is the John Dewey Professor of Philosophy at Columbia University. Living With Darwin: Evolution, Design, and the Future of Faith, Kitcher’s most recent book, is both a defense of Darwin and an exploration of the meaning behind the clash of religion and modern science. Kitcher is also […]