Correlation and causation

Here's a post from Neosprockets demonstrating that the Internet causes autism!

Actually, it's a very nicely written and easy-to-understand discussion of correlation, causation and our old friend, confirmation bias, the seemingly unstoppable ability of humans to convince themselves of whatever they already believe with whatever they happen to come across.conf

Evidence-based living

PZ Myers (at Pharyngula) crafted this really charming Atheist's Creed in response to a silly comment by a theist who tried to claim that atheists don't "even believe in love". It offers a succinct description of the "evidence-based" life:

An atheist's creed

I believe in time,
matter, and energy,
which make up the whole of the world.

I believe in reason, evidence and the human mind,
the only tools we have;
they are the product of natural forces
in a majestic but impersonal universe,
grander and richer than we can imagine,
a source of endless opportunities for discovery.

I believe in the power of doubt;
I do not seek out reassurances,
but embrace the question,
and strive to challenge my own beliefs.

I accept human mortality.

We have but one life,
brief and full of struggle,
leavened with love and community,
learning and exploration,
beauty and the creation of
new life, new art, and new ideas.

I rejoice in this life that I have,
and in the grandeur of a world that preceded me,
and an earth that will abide without me.

On Intelligence

If sex evolved so that your children are not condemned to be just like you, intelligence evolved so that you are not condemned to be just like yourself.
-Alison Jolly, primatologist