Suggested readings, 27 December 2020

Here are some interesting articles I've read over the past week I think are worth checking out.

Julian Baggini, “If everyone has a right to be heard, why are some told to keep quiet?” 16 Dec, The Philosophical Inquirer.

"All historically oppressed groups are rightly against having the values of their oppressors imposed upon them and no group has a right to tell another what to do. However, the remedy for this should be to give everyone equal voice, not to create new hierarchies of privilege."

Stuart Ritchie, “Autism isn’t always a superpower.” 22 Dec, UnHerd.

"All I ask is that, in our understandable desire to focus on the hitherto-forgotten talents of those with neurodivergent brains, we don’t forget the plight of those on the other end of the spectrum. Somewhere between thirty and forty percent of people with autism also have a learning disability, like the boy from my old job. Those with lower levels of functioning might never produce a breakthrough invention, or come up with a quirky way of explaining humanity using science. But they deserve no less of our attention, no less of our support, and no less of our empathy."

Marianna Spring, “How should you talk to friends and relatives who believe conspiracy theories?” 21 Dec, BBC News.

How do you talk to people about conspiracy theories without ruining Christmas? 1 Keep calm; 2 Don't be dismissive; 3 Encourage critical thinking; 4 Ask questions; 5 Don't expect immediate results.

Nathan Nobis, “Moral Extremism and Abortion: On Pro-Choice 'Extremists'” 19 Dec, Abortion Arguments (Blog).

A lot has been written about anti-abortion extremists, but probably not as much on pro-choice extremists. This short post points out that you can expect to find intolerant extremists on all side of the issue. "Ultimately, because extremists refuse to engage in giving reasons and seeking productive discussions on important issues when the issues are complex and so there are plausible concerns on contrary sides of the issues."

Julian Baggini, “The Covid sceptics have made a basic philosophical mistake.” 18 Dec, Prospect.

"The doubters may think they are upholding a proud tradition of robust scepticism but the truth is they betray a lack of understanding of the inevitable uncertainties of evidence and realities of fairness."

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