the conversation
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Can We Actually Learn to Live with Coronavirus? Not Until We Have a Vaccine
As we move into the last quarter of 2020, the virus that has defined this troubled year is showing no signs of going away. In the absence of a vaccine or a broadly effective treatment, some are now saying that we must learn to live with COVID-19. But what does that actually look like? It’s…
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How Toy Pianos Went From Child’s Play To Classical Concert Halls
A child’s toy may seem like an unlikely candidate for the classical concert hall. Around the world, however, thousands of musicians gather every year for festivals, conferences and concerts dedicated to the toy piano. Exploring its sound, range, and playing technique, these composers and performers congregate to talk about latest developments in toy piano music…
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We Might Not Be Able to Understand Free Will With Science, Here’s Why
Suppose you are thinking about doing something trivial, such as moving your index finger a little to the right. You are free to do it. You are free not to do it. You weigh up the pros and cons, and decide to do it. Lo and behold, your finger moves. Congratulations! You did it. This…
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Critical Thinking is Still the Best Way to Fight Conspiracy Theory Groups Like QAnon
Facebook has announced a ban on groups and pages identified with the rapidly growing QAnon conspiracy movement, which will cover both Facebook itself and the Facebook-owned Instagram. QAnon is a far-right conspiracy theory that alleges, among other things, that US President Donald Trump is battling Satan-worshipping paedophiles and a global child sex-trafficking ring run by…