Pathological Rationalism

Pathological Rationalism

We often encounter a lot of pathological rationalism in the media Oftentimes , the claims of some commercials and advertisements are half-truths interspersed with testimonies designed to convince people of their truthfulness and helpfulness when in fact , the claims are not acknowledged by nutritional science . Because its marketing and distribution is not prohibited by law , Vitamin O was marketed as a supplement with beneficial effects for anemia , cancer and the improvement of energy and of the mind . These effects , however , are but manifestations of the placebo effect and what is

claimed as Vitamin O is saltwater with few additional contents (CNN Interactive , 1999 . Because of the lack of scientific basis , the Federal Trade Commission brought against the makers of Vitamin O and the company was ed by the court to return the money of the customers who bought it because the accounts and the evidences presented in the media about Vitamin O is blatantly false (CNN Interactive , 1999

In dealing with media , there should be a reasonable level of skepticism and an effort to verify the information presented . This is a noble approach in dealing with information from the media . Believing immediately might be costly , especially in matters that concern health and well-being in life . Although testimonies are helpful , the motives of these testimonies should also be analyzed if they are only meant to help sell the product . By doing this , we can be protected from the hype and glut perpetrated by the media

Another pathological rationalism is the speech of Iran 's President at Columbia University . In the interest of free speech , he was allowed to address American students although he is known for his extremist views about developing nuclear weapons and making war with Israel . If people would start believing in him right away , he would create havoc . Yet effective research should be done to verify and counter the arguments he presented...