This is a brief introduction to explain my purposes in creating this blog.
I believe that we are living in incredibly dynamic times. Everything is in motion at break-neck speeds creating a blurred caricature of every issue. In order to pierce the facade created by talking points and catch-phrase-head-lining, I think that it would do everyone (especially me) some good to slow things down a bit and conduct a 360 degree examination of the issues of the day.
I've always been a fan of the Socratic Method. Take a statement, break it down into its logical components, and generate questions to verify or to disprove the soundness of the statement. It's akin to (and was actually the inspiration for) the scientific method.
Additionally, I'm a big fan of empirical data. I like cold, hard facts. I like to use logic trees disprove fallacies. The caveat that I would add is that even data can be manipulated, numbers incorrectly calculated, and outcomes overstated, therefore, I prefer data that is verifiable, numbers that can be accounted for, and outcomes that have been peer reviewed, where applicable.
I believe that applying these measures to hot topic debate issues will allow everyone to see the rationale that has lead those that believe differently than they do to their contradicting views. Perhaps it will even change a mind or two.
