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Causation, faith, and intelligent design
There is a philosophical thesis (attributed jointly to Pierre Duhem and Willard Quine) that, when simplified, explains how a given set of facts can produce more than one apparently true conclusion: essentially, different background assumptions lead to different conclusions. A related concept is known as underdetermination: that a given set of evidence can be explained by more than one-potentially conflicting-theory.
May 2010 / 4 min.
The Stored Communications Act and you
It’s always good to remember that storing your email on someone else’s server is a potential problem.
April 2010 / 2 min.
The Statute of Anne: “An Act for the Encouragement of Learning”
300 years ago Saturday, the Statute of Anne created the first modern system of copyright.
April 2010 / 2 min.
Net neutrality and deference to the FCC
A few days ago the D.C. Circuit, in a 3-0 decision, held that the FCC could not require Comcast, or other broadband providers, to follow principles of network neutrality under their current justification.
April 2010 / 2 min.
Vaccination and anti-vaccination at the turn of the 20th century
By near the end of the nineteenth century, Jennerian vaccination had become a generally (but not universally) accepted medical practice. But it still had its critics.
April 2010 / 3 min.
Smallpox inoculation and quarantine in colonial America
In colonial America, quarantine was a state-sponsored restriction on individual liberty in the name of public health, and was accepted by the public. Early inoculation, on the other hand, was done by individuals, and was immediately resisted by the public.
March 2010 / 3 min.
Copyright for Librarians: free and useful training
Copyright for Librarians is a useful resource for anyone-not just librarians-to learn about the current state of copyright law.
March 2010 / 1 min.
Yelp sued, argues lawsuit is without merit
February 2010 / 0 min.
Highlights of the Google Books settlement hearing
Norman Oder updates us on the arguments at the Google Books settlement hearing. I found the several following points made by speakers at the hearing particulary interesting.
February 2010 / 2 min.
Who supports and who opposes the Google Books settlement
At the Google Books fairness hearing, who supports and who opposes the settlement?
February 2010 / 2 min.