Yes, it is that time of the year again, Paul Nelson Day. PZ suggests we should all make it a point to ask people "How do you know that?" today, and the ones who actually can explain themselves competently will be complimented by being told that they're no Paul Nelson. A further tradition is that you can invent a new concept (such as "ontogenic depth") and promise to explain it later. The wonderful thing is that "later" never appears to come. So, what concept do you want to invent today?
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Today we celebrate Paul Nelson Day in honor of the five year anniversary of his theory of "ontogenic depth" and a promised exposition that has never appeared. Methods of celebration vary - PZ has in the past suggested that we should make it a point to ask people "How do you know that?" today, and…
Once upon a time, a creationist invented a brand new pseudo-scientific term, which he even presented at a scientific conference. It was a very, very silly idea called "ontogenetic depth". I criticized the idea publicly and viciously, pointing out that the concept had no explanation, no methodology…
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Solemn greetings, all. Today, as the more reverent among you know, is Paul Nelson Day. Today is the 12th annual feast day of St Nelson, patron saint of obtusity and procrastination, and we honor his contributions to science by…well, by not doing much of anything at all. You could make grandiose…
Yeah, but if you choose the "invent a concept" tack, we get to say "You're such a Paul Nelson" in an uncomplimentary way.
It's hard to find the time to explain your new concept when you're so busy writing press releases and creating "documentaries" describing how your great new concept is being actively repressed by Big Science. I mean, you have to have priorities right?
Hmm... I think my concept will be "God is bipolar." I'm even willing to back it with evidence:
God Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
After all, it's in the Onion, so we know it must be true!
;-)
Yeah, but if you choose the "invent a concept" tack, we get to say "You're such a Paul Nelson" in an uncomplimentary way.
Of course, that remark exemplifies exactly the kind of conspecific antigravitas we've come to expect from Dr. Myers. It's all explained in my forthcoming monograph.