Intelligent Design an Immoral Argument? - Daniel Dennett and John Haught

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/11/17/Great_Issues_Forum_What_Is_Religion

Philosopher Daniel Dennett argues that it is immoral for pastors to teach intelligent design. Theologian John Haught criticizes Dennett's language but expresses agreement with his position, identifying creationism as "not only bad science, but horrible theology."

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The Forum's year-long exploration of religion launches with a program featuring distinguished philosopher and cognitive scientist Daniel Dennett and noted evolutionary biologist David Sloan Wilson.

They are joined by additional participants to discuss questions such as: What is the nature and purpose of religion? Is it a product of our evolution and something we can now do without? Is it a system of belief and practice that humans require in order to build communities and construct meaning for their lives? What in human make-up renders religion possible? How has religious belief developed and changed over the years, and how does it continue to do so? - CUNY

Born in Boston, Dr. Daniel Dennett received his B.A. in Philosophy from Harvard University in 1963, and earned his Doctorate in Philosophy at Oxford University in 1965. After teaching at U.C. Irvine for six years, Dennett joined the faculty at Tufts University in 1971, where he is now a Professor of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University.

Dennett has written extensively about the mind, consciousness, and evolution. He published his first book, Content and Consciousness, in 1969 and is perhaps best known for his 1995 book, Darwin's Dangerous Idea, which explores the implications of natural selection on humanity's place in the universe. He has also published more than one hundred scholarly articles in professional journals, ranging from Behavioral and Brain Sciences to Poetics Today.

John F. Haught (Ph.D. Catholic University, 1970), is Senior Fellow, Science and Religion, Woodstock Theological Center, Georgetown University. He was formerly Professor in the Department of Theology at Georgetown University (1970-2005) and Chair (1990-95).

His area of specialization is systematic theology, with a particular interest in issues pertaining to science, cosmology, evolution, ecology, and religion.

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[hdtwoodsman]

Whenever smart people defend ID (Creationism) or question Darwin, they answer like a politician would: long, indirect responses that avoid the point. Dennett, other top Darwinians, offer simple, direct answers to these important questions.

[instereovideos]

@dejesusluisx Thanks. You pray for me, and I'll think for you : )

[TheFatgazelle]

his response just proves how religion is man made.

[minkr1]

well thats one way to say a whole lot of nothing

[gigisdad]

Believing in something for which there is no evidence is called faith. Believing in something which has been disproved by evidence is called stupidity.

[jordaniac89]

John Haught....He got destroyed by Jerry Coyne, and I see that he is still a fan his rambling and avoiding questions. He's a great example of every theologian I've ever come across.

[1simonmatthews]

How many neurons does it take to generate consciousness? What would happen if you were to subtract the neurons one at a time? Is the difference between a conscious state and an unconscious state a single neuron? It is evident that there are levels to consciousness in nature. It is unknown how much influence consciousness has had on the way the universe works, but there is evidence that they are linked. Consciousness is a very mysterious quality that is yet to be fully explained by anyone.

[zellfalcon31]

Ok so what is the answer?

[DyerVaper]

Don't give us a pc, Universalist non-answer. Answer the question.

[Analice29]

when he´s gonna answer the question?

[friedie1jeff]

Outstanding question. 

[chadwick0091]

it was a "yes or no" question...