Setting up reasoning from first principles vs magical thinking is a false dichotomy and an implicit swipe.
Reasoning from first principles cannot span very far in reality, as for starters the complexity of the argument quickly overwhelms our capacity for it. Its numerous other limits have been well-documented.
Logicomix, Gödel Escher Bach are some common entry points.
I'm kinda new here but am surprised I haven't seen this book mentioned more. Maybe I just haven't seen it or it's old news but it seems right up HNs alley.