is evolution comforting?

Transcript: http://rickroderick.org/is-evolution-comforting/
asks whether modern myths are more or less comforting than the old ones. a short clip from the end of "neitzsche as myth and myth-maker"

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• modern myths
• evolution
• creation

[PierreBayle1697]

Surely it's an act of supererogation to describe it as a myth? Evolution is an un-falsified account of our existence. Until it is falsified it will stand as a sound interpretation of objective reality. Historicism can take us a long way but total historicism can lead us down the blind alley of relativism.

[chrisltft]

@PierreBayle1697 Maybe... However myth in this snippet and throughout the lectures isn't used in a strong sense. It's used to describe generally believed meaning giving stories, without regard for whether that story is true or not. Especially in this part questioning whether its a story that makes life feel more or less meaningful. This example may be a stetch but it is a thought provoking one. I am pretty sure the speaker is agnostic.

[zenogais1]

@987chesster Myths provide a means for us to interpret and understand ourselves. Evolution is an interpretation based on epistemological evidence and induction. As such evolution is well suited as a myth for the technological age in which we live and understand everything as resources and physical processes on inanimate matter.

[987chesster]

How is what he described a myth?

[GordonMorrice]

There are no facts, only interpretations! Therefore, think it ALL through, make a move then NEVER copy that move - without RE-thinking!