Sol's Culture Wars

Fair World Bias A good bias to start with as most of us have this one by nature. We want to think there is a goodness and fairness directing the universe. A just God is in charge. We believe in a just world, but reality contradicts this bias every time bad things occur to the undeserving. It's scarier to consider that the world isn't as fair as we may imagine. It's debated, but there is no (satisfactory) biblical, philosophical or rational explanation for why evil is allowed. All witness inconsistent 'karma" when bad guys hurt good folks so often. The bias is understandable, still distorting. The fallacy that our noble actions always produce noble results may lead to disillusioned ideals, confusion, or loss of positivity. We may want a just world, as we also understand human fallacy.

Ad Hominem Latin for "to the person", this fallacy involves a focus on the individual, irrelevant to opinions expressed. In media and debate, ad hominem attacks are often used as distractions meant to divert attention from a losing opinion or perspective.  Ad hominem example: A family member mentions "exploding" Covid stats during a CNN segment on the virus. You mention the fact that media can distort virus coverage by using stats without also providing all-important context. Your relative instantly becomes hysterical, then accuses you of being a brainwashed Breitbart white supremacist. The topic went from media and stats to you personally. That is ad hominem.

Critical Thinking Identify the problem or question.  Gather data, opinions, and arguments.  Analyze and evaluate the data. Identify assumptions. Establish significance. Make a decision/reach a conclusion.