So, I reblogged Massimo Pigliucci's post responding to Tyson's remarks about philosophy, which appears to have generated some heated discussion. After reading some of it, I realized that I have a few thoughts on this. First, I suspect Tyson's blanket dismissal of philosophy is simply the result of insularity. I've noticed that philosophy's critics tend to be those … Continue reading Neil deGrasse Tyson is wrong to dismiss all of philosophy, but he may have a point on some of it
It’s time to look for life in Europa’s ocean
Lee Billings has a fascinating article up at Aeon asking why we continue to send missions to Mars when the best chance of life existing today is in Europa's underground ocean. If Europa is alive, if some biology dwells within those dark waters, the implications would be even more staggering than finding life on Mars. … Continue reading It’s time to look for life in Europa’s ocean
It really is time for the death penalty to go
Wired has an article up on America's long history of botched executions. Two weeks ago, things went horribly wrong with the execution of Clayton D. Lockett, a 38-year old Oklahoma man convicted of shooting a young woman and burying her alive. After executioners initiated what was meant to be a lethal injection, Lockett began writhing … Continue reading It really is time for the death penalty to go
Neil deGrasse Tyson and the value of philosophy
Some of us, led by Michelle Joelle, had a Twitter conversation about this the other day. Apparently Tyson is doubling down on his views about philosophy, which is unfortunate for such a public figure. Tyson is a brilliant science communicator, but he appears to have some serious blind spots.
The mythology that circles Phineas Gage
Slate has an interesting article on Phineas Gage, and about how his story has been mythologized and overhyped over the years. On Sept. 13, 1848, at around 4:30 p.m., the time of day when the mind might start wandering, a railroad foreman named Phineas Gage filled a drill hole with gunpowder and turned his head … Continue reading The mythology that circles Phineas Gage
On atheism and agnosticism
Bart Ehrman has a post up featuring an interview on his agnosticism. (If you're short on time, the most relevant part is at the 2:12 point.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeFdhyuVyzI As someone who myself isn't a religious believer, but who also strives to be honest on what the limitations of knowledge are in this area, I find a lot … Continue reading On atheism and agnosticism
The Southern Reach
I've recently read the first two books of Jeff Vandermeer's science fiction trilogy, 'The Southern Reach': 'Annihilation' and 'Authority'. The second book was just released, with the third and final book scheduled to be released later this year. The series is about a mysterious area of land that has been cut off from the outside … Continue reading The Southern Reach
SMBC: Math and the universe
The question I've asked multiple times lately. Is the universe math, or math the universe? (Click through for full sized version.) via Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal.
What is religion?
Pascal Boyer in his book 'The Fracture of an Illusion' asserts that religion does not exist. Boyer points out that "religion" doesn't exist as a concept in most societies. When Boyer, an anthropological expert in religion, says that it doesn't exist, he's making a statement that might seem silly on its face. After all, if religion … Continue reading What is religion?
I don’t share Stephen Hawking’s worry about AIs
This essay by three physicists: Stephen Hawking, Max Tegmark, Frank Wilczek, along with Stuart Russell (the one computer scientist), seems to be getting a lot of attention. It keeps popping up in my various feeds, showing up in various venues. With the Hollywood blockbuster Transcendence playing in cinemas, with Johnny Depp and Morgan Freeman showcasing clashing visions … Continue reading I don’t share Stephen Hawking’s worry about AIs
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