Free will is an illusion. There, I said it. Now, let’s move on. For it matters not a jot. Only, it seems we can’t move on. Despite evidence, physical and metaphysical, to the contrary, a majority of people refuse to Read more…
Not according to this news piece (not opinion, news) from the Florida, US, based News Chief. Apparently even atheists admit that evolution is a religion: Scientific philosopher and ardent Darwinian atheist Michael Ruse has candidly admitted this. “Evolution is promulgated Read more…
It’s hard to belive that horriffic reporting like this example in the newspaper, The Australian, still exists. It speaks of the heat wave we’re presently experiencing across New South Wales (in fact, I’m shirtless as I write this), but the Read more…
Is there a correlation between skill at guitar hero and musical ability? Has anyone tested this? And could we predict someone’s potential in music, even if they don’t currently play an instrument? If so, could we develop similar tests for Read more…
This story has been all over the news today. It’s news of a new study published in medical journal, The Lancet, that suggests a common genetic cause for both schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, many outlets reporting the story go Read more…
It appears as though Jonathan Haidt is getting some attention across the blogosphere, even on blogs with a religious tilt. This is good news. Haidt is breaking new ground in moral thinking – I don’t think he’s answered all the Read more…
There are still many who think it is. Sadly, like the blog linked here, many of the attacks are so riddled with unsophisticated ad hominem and vitriol that their more legitimate arguments are undermined. For example, while I thoroughly agree Read more…
Been wading through the latest iteration of the annual question over at the Edge.org. Always a worthwhile way to spend an afternoon. This year’s question is ‘what changes everything’, and besides the usual ebullient predictions of medical breakthroughs, new applications Read more…
Reports of the death of the author have been greatly exaggerated. (How suitable to quote one of the all-time greatest authors in this context.) It still boggles my mind (which, I admit, is easily boggled) that anyone could have subscribed Read more…
I look on at the tragedy unfolding in Gaza with a mixture of deep sorrow and outrage – as I imagine many others do as well. Sorrow that violence and suffering appear to have become not the exception, but the Read more…