If you have the essence, you have it all. Or, not.

I came across an interesting argument by Frederick Copleston in his A History of Philosophy: Volume 1. I will give the quote in question and then share some comments.

Does the Scientific Method Employ a Logical Fallacy?

In The Limitation of Bacon's Scientific Method Jacob Schriftman suggests that the scientific method is based on the formal logical fallacy commonly known as "Affirming the Consequent."  If correct, this is an astounding claim.  Could it be that the scientific method is founded on bad reasoning?  In this post I will attempt to explain the suggestion made by Schriftman and then I will share my thoughts on the implications.

Troy Davis or Lawrence Russell Brewer: Which One is the Straw Man?

I would like to offer a philosophical suggestion to activists.  In short, if you want to prove your point, then attack your opponent's strongest position.  If you can show this position to be flawed, then any weaker position will be seen as flawed as well.  On the other hand, if you attack a weaker position of your opponent, then a stronger position held by your opponent may escape unscathed (so to speak) and you will still have work to do.
Take as an example the executions of Troy Davis and Lawrence Russell Brewer, both of which occurred on the same day Sept. 21, 2011.