Ride the Shuttle

We live in amazing times. That's all I can say. Take a ride into space and back to earth on the Space Shuttle booster rocket. Just unbelievable.

Deutsch on Uniqueness and Knowledge in the Universe

Here's another fascinating TEDTalk, this time from physicist David Deutsch, who examines the question of what is typical and not typical about humanity in the universe, and shows the connection between the mathematical properties of the universe and our minds. Recorded in 2005 in the U.K. About 20 minutes.

Shermer on Critical Thinking

Here's a fun twenty minute video from the always interesting TEDBlog.com and TEDTalks featuring Michael Shermer of Skeptic magazine, who demonstrates the importance of critical thinking. This video has been around for a while, but my blog has not. Hence, I'm posting a link to it now that I've thought of it.

I don't endorse Shermer's entire worldview, which is atheist and naturalist, but he is clearly a sharp mind worth listening to. My favorite part is about the alleged satanic lyrics in the backwards Led Zeppelin songs.

Einstein on Mystery

As part of a great online exhibit from the American Institute of Physics about the life and works of Albert Einstein, one section contains his views of the relationship between science, philosophy, art and religion. Einstein notes:

"The most beautiful experience we can have is the mysterious. It is the fundamental emotion that stands at the cradle of true art and true science. Whoever does not know it and can no longer wonder, no longer marvel, is as good as dead, and his eyes are dimmed."

I think this sums up the mindset one would hope to find in any philosopher, theologian or scientist. Check out this online exhibit when you get a chance. It's very interesting.

Another Fellow Traveler Takes on Dawkins

Another interesting critical review of Richard Dawkins, this time by Irish atheist Michael Fitzpatrick, for Spiked.

Fitzpatrick criticizes Dawkins' anti-religious bigotry and selective focus on the evils of religion, when there is a far bigger pseudo-scientific fish to fry (the radical environmental movement) in his own backyard, which, according to Fitzpatrick, is also far more destructive.

An acknowledgment of the reality of pseudo-science or junk science by Dawkins would knock him off the moral high ground. If science, or at least those who claim to love it, can be fanatical and irrational, then religion cannot be the sole force of evil in the world, or the sole opponent of progress.

Andrew Brown Highlights Richard Dawkins' Own Fanaticism in "The God Delusion"

Reactions to Richard Dawkins' latest and popular work "The God Delusion" have been varied. To those intimidated by Dawkins' contempt for religion, it may be heartening to know that even his allies recognize weaknesses arising from his scorn.

One such fellow traveler on the road to atheism or agnosticism has a particularly interesting review. Andrew Brown in Prospect highlights some of Dawkins' weakest arguments, including his historically disingenuous claim that atheists are not violent in the name of atheism. Brown makes quick work of this one.

Dawkins is right to criticize many aspects of religious fanaticism, but wrong to blame them on religion per se. Mankind has an alarming propensity for fanaticism no matter the subject. Dawkins' own inability to see the potential for fanaticism among atheists is itself fanatical.

Best of Success to My Students

Another year, another semester, another crop of students on their way. Thank you to all my students this semester for your active participation, your effort and your feedback. I wish you the best of success and hope that you do in fact see the relevance of philosophy and mythology as you go through life. Remember it begins with logic: "What if this were true?" From this position all your future creativity and critical thought will follow. Good luck and keep in touch!

Thoughts on Gary Numan

British industrial rocker Gary Numan fascinates me. Not only do I love his deeply engaging and original sound, but some of his works are thought-provoking and powerful.

His "Prayer for the Unborn" (below) is a remarkable statement of dissatisfaction with God, who didn't intervene in the death by miscarriage of Numan's unborn child. Whether you are an atheist (as he is) or not, you can understand the frustration he expresses here. In fact, as this song demonstrates, Numan's atheism seems to be directed at a God who is hearing, but not answering him.



Critics note that Numan, who in his early career struggled with some very derivative work, has finally discovered a unique voice and vision as he wrestles with darker themes.

Gary Numan's official website