Sunday, February 26, 2012

Dawkins vs "God"



Dawkins vs Williams

I was so geeked to listen to this debate! I had this image of Dawkins finishing and ending up with a gold trophy, but, I listened.... yawn? Ya, but....

First, let me say that both parties failed to dazzle me with any “new stuff”. I have never seen Williams speak. To me, he seems like a kind and thoughtful man. Dawkins as well. Let me also say, that like Dawkins, I am also a Bright and a “cultural Anglican”.

It is refreshing to see a civilized discussion, because this was not a debate, in the classical sense. It was an interesting discussion. Dawkins spoke well, but I think his “condensed knowledge” sailed 45 degrees above the head of Kenny, the moderator, and twice as far above Williams. Language. Science. Let the semantics begin!

“In the beginning”, they spoke of communication. Williams suggests humans as unique “language users”; my first “bump” in the debate. I think of humans as unique users of science. Many animals use language for communication just as humans still use body language. Wolves and birds speak, obviously less complex compared to humans, but still it is communication. Humans use spoken language an order of complexity larger than most critters and we have the dictionaries to prove it. But, a male dog can tell when a female is “interested” while she is no where to be seen: natures own Blackberry? For the record, I hypothesize that language evolved from one of these three things: “danger/help”, “I want to make sexy time”, or “We need food”.

The moderator and self-declared “ignoramus”, Kenny, chopped the debate into four parts: the nature of human beings, the origin of human beings, the origin of life on earth, and the origin of the universe. 88 minutes, no problem!

The nature of humans beings

Williams notes that science has “failed” to provide a “theory of conscious”, while providing no proof to support his assertion that consciousness is not a physical entity. Dawkins says that the origin of consciousness started in animal brains. Last year, I wrote a fun blog about this.

Origin of the human species

Both men agree the theory of evolution defines the origin of humans. Williams asserts that God gave conscious knowledge of God to homo sapiens. Dawkins asserts that there was no “Poof” moment: that human conscious was a gradual evolution. Williams also supports that there was no “first human”. No Adam? It is refreshing to listen to an intelligent religious person. Dawkins asserts self awareness did not start with humans.

Origin of life on earth

Kenny threw this topic at Dawkins since we all know the religious assertion. Dawkins discusses improbability of life starting on earth versus life starting elsewhere ( or the building blocks thereof ) and continues to explain pre-genetic replication. Williams provides little input to the discussion. Seems that Craig Venter would have been a good “pinch-speaker” since his company CVI has created synthetic life many times in the past few years.

Origin of the universe

Dawkins asks why theologians are not captivated by the ability of science to describe and define our universe and why “they revert to a messy god” to explain it. William goes on to compliment Dawkins on his captivating writing skill. Dawkins reflects upon the scientific “confidence” gained by Darwin and how that should focus theologians on 21st century science, not ancient and incomplete scripture.

The debate ended with the Oxford Chancellor thanking the three men and of course some shameless touting of Oxford University.

After listening to both sides I would have to give it to Richard Dawkins. I did feel that some of his responses were very complex, and perhaps lost on some, but provided a unique perspective on the topics. Williams, an intelligent man, seemed to miss some opportunities to provide a more definitive answer to provide clarity of reason with regards to the science provided by Dawkins.

With “thousands of years of experience”, both science and religion has been used to answer some big questions and shared knowledge. Since the recent advent of complex math and natural systems analysis science keeps adding to its knowledge base and wisdom. Its growth rate is exponential and provides theory. The body of knowledge of science is staggeringly huge and reliable.

Religion seems to be dying in society today. I guess I should qualify that, “religion as fact” is dying. But one must also accept that religion is part of our evolutionary story in our relentless passion to describe our world. Religion represents the tool of "why", to me. Humanities first steps into a unique place in our universe: understanding what the universe is and not simply existing in it.

If you have the time check it out, and when you have, I have a question for you: If science can be discovered naturally, can religion?

Enjoy!





All information and concepts on my blog is property of me, Graham Chivers.

Retweeting is highly recommended!

This information may not be used, in any publications, without direct prior consent from Graham Chivers @ http://deepgreendesign.blogspot.com/. My Blog is not to be within or, on any entities that have advertising. Sounds weird? Well, that is my choice. Freedom of speech and freedom of access, without any capitalism, by companies, that I do not find green enough. I assert that my Blogs will deliver my blog with NO ADVERTISING! As such, If you wish to rebroadcast my content, ask for permission. If your publication has absolutely no advertising, anywhere, I will be happy let you use my content, on the condition that I verify the publication for content, first. I dreaded the day that my blog would be beside advertising for laptops or other non-green thingies, but, it did. Support Ad-Free knowledge! If you see this blog beside advertising, please, let them know to respect my authority as a citizen. Thank you! I assert the right to assert my opinion on each blog, I blog. I assert that I am not a “domestic terrorist”. I assert that I am an individual, not a marketing scam. I collect no data from my Blog. All the products use to manufacture this product are “free” on the Internet. I use no marketing software for data collection. I feel that anyone should be able to read my blog with only knowledge being the product for free.

If you do not agree with any above content, prove it first. If you can teach me something, I will thank you in a manner warranted. If you are intending to “limit my internet access” or Freedom of Speech or my Human Rights: please go away!




Tuesday, February 14, 2012

CANADIAN CHARTER OF SCIENCE




CANADIAN CHARTER OF SCIENCE

Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law, science provides known truths, and as such, knowingly refuting such scientific law is in contempt of law and unquestionably unlawful.

GUARANTEE OF SCIENCE

Science in Canada

1. The Canadian Charter of Science guarantees the rights and freedoms, of science, subject only to such scientific limits prescribed by peer review and can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic laboratory.

FUNDAMENTAL SCIENCE FREEDOMS

Fundamental freedoms

2. Everyone and science has the following fundamental freedoms:

(a) freedom of theory, hypothesis, assertion and analysis;
(b) freedom of hypothesis, thought, belief, opinion and expression, including free access by education and scientific media communications;
(c) freedom of peaceful science; and
(d) freedom of scientific association.
(e) refuting scientific theory requires scientific evidence.

SCIENCE RIGHTS

Scientific rights of citizens

3. Every citizen and visitor of Canada has the right to contribute to or refute science, scientifically.
4. No House of Commons or any legislative assembly shall continue for longer than two minutes after being found guilty in contempt of science.

NOTES : Enjoy!





All information and concepts on my blog is property of me, Graham Chivers.

Retweeting is highly recommended!

This information may not be used, in any publications, without direct prior consent from Graham Chivers @ http://deepgreendesign.blogspot.com/. My Blog is not to be within or, on any entities that have advertising. Sounds weird? Well, that is my choice. Freedom of speech and freedom of access, without any capitalism, by companies, that I do not find green enough. I assert that my Blogs will deliver my blog with NO ADVERTISING! As such, If you wish to rebroadcast my content, ask for permission. If your publication has absolutely no advertising, anywhere, I will be happy let you use my content, on the condition that I verify the publication for content, first. I dreaded the day that my blog would be beside advertising for laptops or other non-green thingies, but, it did. Support Ad-Free knowledge! If you see this blog beside advertising, please, let them know to respect my authority as a citizen. Thank you! I assert the right to assert my opinion on each blog, I blog. I assert that I am not a “domestic terrorist”. I assert that I am an individual, not a marketing scam. I collect no data from my Blog. All the products use to manufacture this product are “free” on the Internet. I use no marketing software for data collection. I feel that anyone should be able to read my blog with only knowledge being the product for free.

If you do not agree with any above content, prove it first. If you can teach me something, I will thank you in a manner warranted. If you are intending to “limit my internet access” or Freedom of Speech or my Human Rights: please go away!




Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Strange Sounds


Have you heard them? I have and they smell bad*.

Does our current government base its policy on #Voodoo or #Science? Sounds like a strange question, but, seems like Harper hates the “sounds of science”. Is the CPC party the first to exploit the legal loophole that says nothing about tangible “Science vs. Fiction”? Seems Harper asserts that science sounds strange to his supporters? Evidence of ignorance or just a stupid coincidence?

Minister Vic Toews asserts information aqcuired through torture is reliable intelligence?

Minister Rob Nicholson asserts rehabilitation is best served by mental abuse & physical punishment?

Minister Joe Oliver will not recognize scientific consensus on climate change? ( Finally the CPC is forced to cough up an unscientific statement: "humans cause global warming" )

Minister Peter Kent maintains less science about nature protects Canadians?

See a trend? Need a chart?

I am not an expert in psychology, but, I do know enough to draw an evidence-based and educated hypothesis. Better yet, why not just trust the peer reviewed science of professional experts?

Leadership should reinforce or define cultural morality, when required, otherwise get back to creating jobs and protecting citizens. Jobs: remember what Stephen was talking about? Perhaps he can look south to Barack for leadership skills and communication. Is Harper capable of moving Canada forward or are we the next victim of the "conservative U-turn back to better times of racism and sexism"?

To understand these “strange sounds”, one must find the source. Seems the CPC party is a "beachhead for the failed hand-me-down policies" of the American Republican Party. Smells Bushie.

It is comical to see many discussing new studies showing conservatives are “less intelligent, lower IQ, etc.”. That is an unfair assertion, although intuition supports evidence and it “feels” right, it is still truthiness until published peer reviewed science stands the rigours of the scientific method. To make these assumptions is unreliable. Don't be a lemming too.

I know many conservatives that refute this Harper Government. They trust in science, not politics, and so should you:

Agnotology: (formerly agnatology) is the study of culturally-induced ignorance or doubt, particularly the publication of inaccurate or misleading scientific data.

So, why is Harper in contempt of Science? Trust me, he is not smart enough to "cook this stuff up". Science is under attack in the United States. Republicans think that by twisting science, they can continue to “maintain the freedom” to ravage this planet and its people no matter the cost to society.

Are they redefining “freedom”? Why adhere to law and science when you can change the definitions of words. Much like the new CPC narrative on abortion. Seeking refuge in ancient words and laws that support an ideology. Why not look at the latest science for all definitions? Will Harper look to the Magna Carta to justify his discrimination against some groups? Will he refer to the bible to influence current law?

Check your science carefully folks: Give it the sniff test! Is the next phase of “CPC Agnotology” fake peer reviewed “bullshit”? The GOP republicans and CPC conservatives know that they are failing to succeed with ideology, so, is the next step is to put on the “SunTV lab coats (brought to you by FoxNews)” and do some “dog and pony science” for the masses? Perhaps Ezra will finally exchange his "heavy carbon footprint chainsaw for a more efficient and intelligent pen"? Watch for more the new "science parrot" to replace CPC "bullshit"?

It is 2012; Science, in the past 20 years has cleared out a lot of "Kenty" science, but there is much to be done. By eliminating government based science, seems our government expects us to trust corporate science: Tobacco science? Ethical science? FDA Science?

We should thank new math! Should we thank Harold Coxter? No, lets thank a government that produces and supports true science. Lets keep things "straight", I mean scientific.

“My freedom ends where your freedom begins”. Label me ignorant, but I believe this. I think it is an important statement regarding my human rights. I assert that I have the right to know what is fact and what is fiction. Can Tom Flaherty scientifically quantify the term "Radical" and "Enemy of the State"?

Law seems to respect spoken word and evidence. Although law fails to provide a quality system; innocent people charged as guilty. Some are guilty people being treated inhumanely and perhaps damaged further.

Seems science has answers and our justice system just has issues, yet, a noble purpose. Can science & law unite into the super hero that will snatch up people like Stephen Harper and fly them to the Queen for a stiff and firm spanking? Naughty Stephen, naughty! Is parental spanking the best solution?

"Violence breeds violence" - me (If someone else said it, well, good for them, this is not new stuff ).

 “Lead by example”. Label me ignorant, but I believe this. People learn both consciously and unconsciously through our senses (ok, some of this stuff is pre-programmed, like that button on your remote, when you press it, the TV turns on)*. If our leadership led by example and maintained honest morality through their policy of "peace, love and happiness", would there be a deviation from "war, hate and sadness"?

“Monkey see, monkey do” is another way to say it. So, if a government thinks the death penalty is warranted behaviour, is that not also unconsciously teaching people that killing is accepted behaviour? Does the government think that the death penalty stops crime? Has Harper studied Texas lately? I wonder if Rick Perry has killed innocent people (WARNING: 100% Fox News Content); now, that sounds like Conservative American values. Can Rick prove he did not kill innocent people?

The logic seems tricky. What if a rational 18 year old person understood the possibility of life in prison with no parole? Would that stop them from murdering their female friends, by drowning them in a car (Another tricky question since rational people do not kill their friends)? Rational people do not kill innocent people, but rational people would kill an irrational person if they were going to kill them.

So, do all “rational” people think that everyone is “rational”? Can we trust selling handguns, rifles, shotguns and para-military style weapons to a "rational Canadian market" expecting everyone to be "rational" with those guns?

What if a rational person dies and leaves their gun collection to irrational offspring?

I admit I am greedy, its all about me: My freedom ends where your freedom begins, ergo, to protect my freedom I must help secure yours first. Can Canada secure its science from these "strange sounds"?

Enjoy

* - notice that CTV ends segment and indirectly questions the validity of science?





All information and concepts on my blog is property of me, Graham Chivers.

Retweeting is highly recommended!

This information may not be used, in any publications, without direct prior consent from Graham Chivers @ http://deepgreendesign.blogspot.com/. My Blog is not to be within or, on any entities that have advertising. Sounds weird? Well, that is my choice. Freedom of speech and freedom of access, without any capitalism, by companies, that I do not find green enough. I assert that my Blogs will deliver my blog with NO ADVERTISING! As such, If you wish to rebroadcast my content, ask for permission. If your publication has absolutely no advertising, anywhere, I will be happy let you use my content, on the condition that I verify the publication for content, first. I dreaded the day that my blog would be beside advertising for laptops or other non-green thingies, but, it did. Support Ad-Free knowledge! If you see this blog beside advertising, please, let them know to respect my authority as a citizen. Thank you! I assert the right to assert my opinion on each blog, I blog. I assert that I am not a “domestic terrorist”. I assert that I am an individual, not a marketing scam. I collect no data from my Blog. All the products use to manufacture this product are “free” on the Internet. I use no marketing software for data collection. I feel that anyone should be able to read my blog with only knowledge being the product for free. If you do not agree with any above content, prove it first. If you can teach me something, I will thank you in a manner warranted.

If you are intending to “limit my internet access” or Freedom of Speech or my Human Rights: please go away!