Evolutionary Perspectives (Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennet, Steven Pinker, Jared Diamond and Douglas Adams) 2of4

Douglas Adams moderates a discussion between Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Steven Pinker and Jared Diamond. The discussion focuses on attempts to apply darwinian principles and explanations to areas other than biology, such as cosmology, language and psychology, as well as areas that are less likely to have darwinian explanations. Towards the end, the discussion turns to issues of religion and the psychology of belief and imagination.

Each of the speakers gave a short lecture before the discussion, which can be found here (links to the first part of each):

Douglas Adams: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msAF_MDYWNE

Richard Dawkins: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdBOb9tQjNU

Daniel Dennett: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psBwnE0ByUw

Stephen Pinker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVrb5ClvDho

Jared Diamond: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV_P1VGqMBo


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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• dawkins
• dennett
• pinker
• douglas
• adams
• darwinian
• evolution
• cosmology
• irreducible
• complexity

[theinquisitor]

"I could go out and murder the next person I see and still be eternally forgiven"

I cannot begin to explain the revulsion this statement causes me. I wish that you were just full of shit or that you were just a freak. But there are thousands of sick fucks like you. Maybe millions. I weep for the future. I'm really tempted to block you now, but I think I should let you stay just so that people can see the sickness that has poisoned your mind. But I will not talk to you any more. Fuck you.

[theinquisitor]

No thanks, I don't want the endorsement of your god. A creature that would reward murderers just because they suck up to him, while condemning all others regardless of their crimes, is not a moral exemplar. I don't want to be forgiven, I want there to be consequences for my actions. I don't want to be reduced to the status of a child, with no moral responsibility and stripped of all ability to think. For some reason I can't resist the need to respond to your vile bullshit. You just don't get it.

[DrErkencho]

I love (?) Dennet's Idea of the "cranes". I think is a very well stablished reality and the way he portrays it's functionality and come abouts is just so clarifying. Here's 2 very enlighten human beings.

[AlanCanon2222]

Just off the bat, philosopher Dan Dennett proves his mettle as the honorary scientist that Richard Dawkins often makes him out to be, by being able to cite recent developments in cosmology, off the top of his head.

[EvolvingCaveman]

Hi there. If you like this, you might like my book at evolvingcaveman 'dot' com

It's a kind of guide to navigate future human evolution. I've described it in my video.

Jeff

[ninjatoothpaste]

@markpianoman It's not "a perfect example of the immoral Godless mind" so much as an example of bad manners, never the less some of his arguments are valid. Claims made without evidence can be dismissed without evidence.

[markpianoman]

I didn't say that I may go out and murder. What I said was, that IF I WERE TO MURDER I would still be eternally forgiven through the sacrificial blood of Christ....He paid my penalty! I'm also done with discussing with you because you have not only called me an "idiot," but a "blind fool," God's "bitch," and a "sick f___." A perfect example of the immoral Godless mind. You need Christ and His imputed righteousness not just for eternity, but NOW.

[markpianoman]

@theinquisitor Believing ANY lie in the world would not change the fact that I HAVE ALREADY BEEN forgiven of every sin - past, present, and future.

[markpianoman]

I think you need to read what I wrote before ONE more time. For your convenience, here you have it again:

"I HAVE ALREADY been forgiven of every sin - past, present, and future." Not because of my righteousness, but the righteousness of God given to me as a free gift. I could go out and murder the next person I see and still be eternally forgiven. You reject the Bible NOT because science has conclusive evidence against it, but because it presents THE God to whom every man will give an account.

[theinquisitor]

Yes but only while you remain his bitch. And to do that, you need to close your mind to all that is blasphemous to him. Your position is not one based on reason or evidence, but on a desire to be forgiven of your sins, to be free of the punishment you have been taught that you deserve in the absence of your worship to this god. If you were to be convinced of my position, you would lose this forgiveness, and THAT is why you reject it. At least admit it and show some particle of dignity.