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conc0rdance uploaded a new video
(1 year ago)
A story from "The Demon Haunted World". Also the simplest way ...
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A story from "The Demon Haunted World". Also the simplest way to understand the skeptical mindset and critical thinking. Happy Birthday, Carl! Thanks for the inspiration.
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conc0rdance uploaded a new video
(1 year ago)
Today is Carl Sagan Day, November 6th, 2010. His birthday is November 9t...
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Today is Carl Sagan Day, November 6th, 2010. His birthday is November 9th, and I will be posting another video then, in a similar style. This is an essay he first published in "Broca's Brain", 1979. I think it marvelously communicates what it is to be a scientist. The thrill of understanding some small part of the Universe in a way that no human before you has understood it. It is the high of science, the thrill and the payoff. http://www.stephe... The world needs Carl today as much as ever. His small light in the darkness is still shining, but magnified by the many minds he reached with his message. If you were affected by Carl Sagan, inspired by him, maybe you would consider lighting a candle for rationality, skepticism, and our shared humanity. In honor of Carl. "I would love to believe that when I die I will live again, that some thinking, feeling, remembering part of me will continue. But much as I want to believe that, and despite the ancient and worldwide cultural traditions that assert an afterlife, I know of nothing to suggest that it is more than wishful thinking. The world is so exquisite with so much love and moral depth, that there is no reason to deceive ourselves with pretty stories for which there's little good evidence. Far better it seems to me, in our vulnerability, is to look death in the eye and to be grateful every day for the brief but magnificent opportunity that life provides." -- "In the Valley of the Shadow" PARADE magazine (10 March 1996)
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conc0rdance uploaded a new video
(1 year ago)
Genetic modification of our food. Is it a good idea? Short answer: It co...
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Genetic modification of our food. Is it a good idea? Short answer: It could be, if it's done right. It could also be a very bad idea if it's done wrong. There is one instance where a transgene was observed to cross into wild plants. This occurred between very closely related grass species. http://www.nature...
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conc0rdance uploaded a new video
(1 year ago)
I wanted to post a quick followup and clarification, plus I would love t...
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I wanted to post a quick followup and clarification, plus I would love to have a little feedback from you on the role of liberty and limits when it conflicts with public good. Here's the text for the scenarios: cenario 1: A woman is selling a cure for cancer which she claims is very effective, but which scientists have repeatedly shown is simply rubbing alcohol which can cause blindness when consumed. Patients are flocking to her clinic with the hope of a cure and forsaking conventional treatments. This includes the elderly, children, and many who have hailed her as a miracle worker. A charismatic cult has built up around her treatments. She charges ten thousand dollars a week and most treatments are 4 to 5 weeks long. The question is: should the government intervene to stop her? Why or why not? Scenario 2: A small business is selling a new herbal product that causes people to experience hallucinations and enter a dream-like trance for several hours. It's a non-addictive hallucinogen to most people, but 2% of people have a violent reaction, and a small percentage of them end up comatose or brain injured. Some people have developed injuries as a result of the use of the product, and there have been some cases where children were given the product by older children. The media has covered the injuries, but the company still effectively sells their product. The question, as before, is: should the government intervene to stop the sale of the product? Why or why not. Scenario 3: Illegal heroin use is a serious issue for many countries, not least the US. This is of course a real scenario, but the question here is much broader. What limits, if any, would you place on liberty with regards to the decriminalization of the manufacturing, transport, sale and use of heroin? Look forward to responses!
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conc0rdance uploaded a new video
(1 year ago)
Raw milk is a risk not worth taking. The benefits just don't outweigh th...
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Raw milk is a risk not worth taking. The benefits just don't outweigh the costs. If it had some measurable health benefit that we couldn't obtain some other way, that would change my perspective. As it stands though, the only benefit is flavor and the liberty to do it. The cost is the risk of disease or death. I can't find a way to make those two balance out. Followup video on Liberty and Social Good: http://www.youtub... Some resources: "Got Milk? Make sure it's pasteurized" http://findarticl... FDA Warning of outbreak in in March of this year: http://www.newsin... US News and World Report article: http://health.usn...
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I found your channel because thunderfoot upvoted one of your videos. Hopefully that brings some more attention.