An ‘artificial world inside a computer’ helps explain how complex forms evolve.… Read the rest
Welcome to our archive of news stories relevant to the project of fighting fashionable nonsense. The stories are drawn from the electronic pages of the world’s media. On this page, you’ll find links to those stories that have been featured on Butterflies and Wheels during the current year. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find links to separate archives of stories from previous years.
We’re always pleased to hear about news stories that you think should be featured on Butterflies and Wheels. Just send an email here, if you want to point one out to us.
A note about links
Inevitably links go out of date. We suggest, therefore, that you make hard-copies of the stories that particularly interest you.
Not Opposed to Medieval Studies 
May 9th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
But utilitarian view of education remains.… Read the rest
Frankencrop?
May 8th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
India harvests its first GM cotton, which is resistant to the bollworm but has opponents worried nonetheless.… Read the rest
Respect the Other Even When it’s a Virus?
May 8th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
A new book examines metaphors for disease and cure but leaves some others unexamined.… Read the rest
No Facts Please, This is a Film
May 7th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Cromwell transformed from theocrat to freedom fighter? Never mind, the truth doesn’t put bums on seats.… Read the rest
Who Cheesed His Virtue?
May 6th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Virtuous Bill Bennett gambled away $8 million, but it’s okay because he started with church bingo.… Read the rest
Cathartic or Inflaming?
May 5th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Study says music with violent lyrics increases aggressive thoughts.… Read the rest
Fear Is Not Rational
May 5th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
We’re more afraid of rare, unfamiliar dangers than more mundane and likely ones.… Read the rest
She Said He Said
May 4th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Lynne Segal and Simon Baron-Cohen discuss whether men’s and women’s minds are really different.… Read the rest
Peer-review and Status Anxiety
May 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Scientists are more collegial and less condescending than humanists, a humanist discovers.… Read the rest
Violence, Mockery and Exaggeration
May 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Girly writing about tree-love is politically correct while boyish writing about action and adventure is not, says Thomas Newkirk.… Read the rest
Is Name-Calling Free Speech?
May 3rd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Organizing a demo is one thing, calling a teacher a fascist cow is another – right?… Read the rest
Student Evaluations
May 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Will Pick-a-Prof websites correct grade inflation or encourage it?… Read the rest
Cognitive Sex Differences
May 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
The subject is a political minefield, but research is the only way to distinguish between facts and fact-free stereotypes.… Read the rest
Lukewarm or Bad-tempered
May 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Were Einstein and Newton mildly autistic? Or were they just too clever for small talk.… Read the rest
Bad Science
May 2nd, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Photograph your aura, avoid perfect spheres, keep SARS under holistic control.… Read the rest
Not New but Too Good to Miss
May 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Critical theory grad student gets a little overwound, deconstructs Burrito Bandito.… Read the rest
Interview With Daniel Dennett
May 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Meaning doesn’t need magic, good ideas spread better than bad ones, reflection and choice matter.… Read the rest
Neurotheology
May 1st, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Happenings in the brain interact with what we already know and want.… Read the rest
Nonpseudoarchaeology Fights Back
Apr 30th, 2003 |
Filed by Ophelia Benson
Alternative archaeology argues by attacking skeptics rather than answering their questions.… Read the rest
