I am now back home after attending the national conference of Heterodox Academy in Denver. HxA's slogan is "Great Minds Don't Always Think Alike." Highlights included meeting many thoughtful people. This included a chance to talk with Jonathan Haidt. Presenters included Glenn Loury, Erec Smith, John McWhorter, Roslyn Clark Artis, Matt Yglesias and the HxA's new President, John Tomasi. I delivered a one-hour presentation, "When the “HxA Way” Collides with Brandolini’s Law." Here's the synopsis:

Brandolini’s Law, also known as the “bullshit asymmetry principle,” states that “the amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude larger than is needed to produce it.” When applied to daily interactions, this means that the longer some conversations go on, the less meaningful they become. While we may do our best to diligently practice the “HxA Way,” others may still fling ad hominem attacks or use weak arguments, false dichotomies, and uncharitable interpretations that drag things down. In this session, Erich Vieth will explore these common frustrations and offer strategies – drawn from his experience as a trial lawyer – to help keep contentious conversations on track.

Glenn Loury, Erec Smith and John McWhorter[/caption]