Consider this study by Michael Mahoney.10 He prepared two papers that were identical in methodology, but different in which theory the
results supported. He sent these papers out for review by reviewers who had earlier expressed support for either the theory supported by the
experimental results, or the theory refuted by the experimental results.
Mahoney found two things: First, reviewers were more likely to reject papers that did not support the theory they favored. This is an expected,
if disappointing, result. Second, he found that reviewers were more critical of the methodology in the papers that did not support their
views---even though the methodologies were identical.
"....The most tenacious myth Ackerman
and Kruegler debunk is that nonviolent
resistance is effective only in dealing with
democratic governments that have adopted
uncharacteristically repressive policies.
According to that argument, peaceful
demonstrations and civil disobedience can
prick the conscience of democratic rulers and
publics, gain the support of international
opinion, and force a change of policy while
totalitarian and authoritarians regimes will
simply use whatever force is necessary to
smash the opposition...."
"...There can be little doubt
that today's foremost thinker sympathetic to nonviolent resistance is
Gene Sharp. With an eye toward practical strategy rather than
philosophy, his major work "The Politics of Nonviolent Action"
(Boston: Porter Sargent, 1973) covers virtually every aspect of the
theory and history of nonviolent resistance to government....
"This book is based
on the assumption that action to end war must come from individuals,
small groups and local communities, in short from the
grassroots. Grassroots action against war has a long and inspiring
history of protests, campaigns and initiatives. Unfortunately, most of
this activity has had little impact on military races because it has
relied on influencing elites, which is the least promising avenue for
such efforts. Moreover, many antiwar actions have been symbolic
protests with little connection with a long-term strategy to end
war. And the protests are mainly against symptoms of the problem, such
as nuclear weapons, rather than directly tackling the roots of modern
war."
TMF: What books were on the reading list you were handed by Munger when he grudgingly agreed to cooperate on the book?
Lowe: The Selfish Gene, by Richard Dawkins; Three Scientists and Their Gods, Robert Wright (out of print); Influence: Science and Practice, Robert B. Cialdini; Guns, Germs & Steel by Jared Diamond.
TMF: In what ways did Munger surprise you?
Lowe: Munger is incredibly open in his thinking. He will listen carefully to opposing views and consider them. He sometimes disagrees, but he often comes up with a new way of thinking about the subject, or if necessary, changes his mind. This is unusual in most people, but especially people of his age, I think.
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