Tag: Atheism

Should Scientists Debate Creationists?

The perpetually-bowtied science educator Bill Nye “The Science Guy” is slated to debate creationist Ken Ham, the founder of Kentucky’s Creation Museum, on Feb. 4. Many scientists are uneasy about the debate — not because they are concerned that Ken Ham will provide new creationist evidence or arguments that will leave Nye cowering and apologizing … Continue reading Should Scientists Debate Creationists? →

Why evangelicals and Catholic leaders are against contraception | Machines Like Us

Why do the leaders of some religious groups like the Catholics and now even evangelicals oppose contraception, to the extent of even objecting to health insurance policies covering it? After all, access to safe, reliable, and easy contraception has to be one of the most beneficial advances that society has made. And the fact that … Continue reading Why evangelicals and Catholic leaders are against contraception | Machines Like Us →

Determinism isn’t as certain as many assume

Conversation on yesterday's post on free will has me thinking about determinism. First, what is determinism?  According to Merriam-Webster, my favorite dictionary because they seem to be extremely good at cutting to the chase, determinism is defined as: a theory or doctrine that acts of the will, occurrences in nature, or social or psychological phenomena … Continue reading Determinism isn’t as certain as many assume →

Free will? Free of what?

The concept of free will is intimately tangled up with the idea of responsibility.  Are you responsible for your actions?  To what degree are your actions predetermined?  If they are predetermined, how can we hold anyone accountable for their actions?  Does the idea of moral responsibility even make sense? Libertarian free will The classic definition … Continue reading Free will? Free of what? →

Big Gods: An interesting read

A while back, I read Ara Norenzayan's book, 'Big Gods: How Religion Transformed Cooperation and Conflict'.  I'm posting this review somewhat from memory, but I've had a couple of conversations about it lately and I think it might be good to move the discussion here. In the book, Norenzayan asks an interesting question.  How did … Continue reading Big Gods: An interesting read →

The mind is the brain, and why that’s good

Mind body dualism is the theory that mind and matter are separate substances.  It's an ancient theory discussed in various forms by philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, and theologians such as Thomas Aquinas.  In 1641, Rene Descartes put forth his views, usually referred to as Cartesian dualism which laid important foundations for modern philosophy in … Continue reading The mind is the brain, and why that’s good →

Awe Increases Religious Belief | Matthew Hutson

In February 1971, Lunar Module pilot Edgar Mitchell was on his way back from the Moon when he had an epiphany. Staring out the window at the stars, he realized that everything is connected. The experience was so \"puzzling and powerful,\" he told me, that upon touchdown he launched a quest into what it was … Continue reading Awe Increases Religious Belief | Matthew Hutson →

God Created Gravity: Why the U.S. Can’t Keep Pace With Slovenia | Jeff Schweitzer

God Created Gravity: Why the U.S. Can't Keep Pace With Slovenia | Jeff Schweitzer. Jeff Schweitzer's post bemoaning the problems in society caused by religion is getting a lot of attention around the web.  Schweitzer blames religion for the battles on teaching evolution in schools, the denial of climate change, and the anti-vaccine movement.  I … Continue reading God Created Gravity: Why the U.S. Can’t Keep Pace With Slovenia | Jeff Schweitzer →