The Dangers of the Slippery Slope...

Around the "We Surround Them" movement, I have noticed a lot of irrational conclusions based on hearsay regarding proposed legislation, misinterpretation of Biblical principles, and blind allegiance to dubious conspiracy theories. The illogical thread that binds all these ill gotten notions into a burial shroud of apathy is the slippery slope.

As defined on the wonderful logic site, Fallacy Files, a slipper slope is a fallacy type is based upon the claim that a controversial type of action will lead inevitably to some admittedly bad type of action. For example: If Johny starts listening to Rap Music, he will then start smoking, drinking alcohol and then will be in jail for stealing. Based upon the evidence of this claim, we cannot infer what type of person Johnny is or how Rap music will cause these actions. What if Johnny was a youth minister who was listening to the current Top 40 hit to understand the needs of his congregation? These details are excluded and one can only act from inference, which can be clouded by prejudices, lack of experience, bad reasoning skills, lack of objective data, et cetera.

The main point is this: Do not make claims without investigating the facts yourself. People can be lead to treasonous conclusions for believing these absurd conspiracy theories floating around the internet. It is the moral duty of the communicator to realize this and not lead his or her audience willingly into false conclusions.

Education of a Citizen

Note Well that I am not attempting a comprehensive solution for this issue, but only am reflecting briefly for the sake of my friends who read this blog.

What makes a citizen educated for the 21st century? Is it only right to give a person enough competency for the achievement of gainful employment? Should the students be required to pass a state/federal test that labels one "educated?" Would a return to the classical education that was en vogue during our founding give our students the background knowledge they need to understand the ideas that birthed our Constitution and various state laws? Is a technology only education the only qualification anymore? What about educating the whole person? Is that too old fashioned?

I have a lot a questions. I hope to discuss this idea more with you my visitor. Thanks for stopping by.

Publius Americanus UPNY