The Problem With ‘Neurobabble’

The neuropsychology discoveries reported in the general-interest press often “amount to finding stronger activation in some area of the brain when a psychological phenomenon occurs. As if it is news that the brain is not dormant during psychological activity! The reported neuroscience is often descriptive rather than explanatory. Experiments have shown that neurobabble produces the illusion of understanding.”

Defending Alastair Macaulay’s Jibe at Ballerina’s Weight

“Of course, Macaulay is absolutely in the right. If critics must judge according to the self-esteem of the performers rather than the merits of the production, then there is no point in publishing. Friends and family can write the reviews. … [I]ntegrity and intensity of response is the critic’s gift. And it is the critics who bring in the audiences as well as putting them off.”