Richard Dawkins: Attention Governor Perry: Evolution is a fact

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Zibrahim said:
I don't understand the point of this. Does Dawkins believe Perry will have an epiphany thanks to his insightful arguments and reconsider the theory of evolution?

Dick Dawkins is being just as idiotic as his target. What irks me are atheists who are on his dick regardless of what he says.

Have you ever seen or read anything that has to do with him? The few debates I have seen him in, he was to most civil person ever. It's usually the person on the other side that are being the dicks.
 
krypt0nian said:
I love these threads. Silly people jump up to demonstrate just how silly they are, and that can only be a good thing. Anti-science people are fun!

For serious. watching the fallout is always amusing.
 
I know a lot of people get pissed off with Dawkins writes...well, pretty much anything...but I think he's right. I do not consider anyone who believes in Creationism over the Theory of Evolution an educated person, and certainly I do not consider them a viable candidate for leading any part of our country. I personally believe that scientific literacy and intelligence should be a much, MUCH larger factor in our electoral process.

Someone has to speak out against idiots, because I do not think it's okay to let known untruths run rampant under the guise of "tolerance". It is not tolerant to allow someone to think two plus three equals nine. It's merely stupid.
 
speculawyer said:
LOL

WTF does that even mean?
I think it'd actually be really fun to treat science as a religion. I mean, what other religion can produce the same level of miracles?

Healing the sick? Check. Flying through the air? Check. Man lands on fucking moon? Check.
 
speculawyer said:
He's opinionated about people's religions. Them's fightin' words!

not even, just about the part where god intervenes with science and the classroom.

If you start teaching the controversy in one class, get ready to start teaching it in every other science class and watch as the education system would become even more stagnant.

It's like newtonian physics, we know it's not correct, we still use it to teach student the basics of physics. Instead imagine physics classes where people never actually tried solving any physics problems, instead they just dicussed the controversy of physics. How the idea of spherical planets circling around a sun is absurd and that the earth is actually surrounded by a painted glass dome.
 
Orayn said:
It needs to be said. Better to shout the truth at people like Perry and have it all on deaf ears than to just let them go about their merry, idiotic way.

And no, he is not being "as idiotic" as Perry, because Dawkins is right. Perry's ignorance is not Dawkins' fault.

Again, do you believe Perry or his followers will suddenly wake up and decide to believe something that isn't indoctrinated, told by someone they really couldn't care less about? I say it's as idiotic because Dawkins isn't even debating this subject with Perry. He's getting his hands dirty and trying to discredit someone whose base will probably believe him regardless.

If Dawkins were a politician running against Perry perhaps it would be understandable. But he isn't.
 
Zibrahim said:
Again, do you believe Perry or his followers will suddenly wake up and decide to believe something that isn't indoctrinated, told by someone they really couldn't care less about? I say it's as idiotic because Dawkins isn't even debating this subject with Perry. He's getting his hands dirty and trying to discredit someone whose base will probably believe him regardless.

If Dawkins were a politician running against Perry perhaps it would be understandable. But he isn't.
So we should never try to correct people's misguided ideas about science, because they won't listen to us?

Okay.
 
Has anyone met a person that truly understands evolution and still does not believe it is true?

I mean really understands it. Knows about all of it and understands the data. Fully understands things like endogenous retroviruses.

I wonder if such a person exists. There are lots of people that that understand evolution, believe it, and also believe in a religion. I can understand that . . . you can't disprove of gods. But I'd be shocked by a person that fully understands all of evolution but rejects it.
 
Zibrahim said:
Again, do you believe Perry or his followers will suddenly wake up and decide to believe something that isn't indoctrinated, told by someone they really couldn't care less about? I say it's as idiotic because Dawkins isn't even debating this subject with Perry. He's getting his hands dirty and trying to discredit someone whose base will probably believe him regardless.

If Dawkins were a politician running against Perry perhaps it would be understandable. But he isn't.
Why do you keep arguing with people in this thread? Do you actually think you'll change anyone's mind?
 
Feep said:
So we should never try to correct people's misguided ideas about science, because they won't listen to us?

Okay.

lol that's exactly what I'm saying.

If I understand this correctly, those of you validating Dawkins actions are stating its necessity. I'm saying it's an exercise in futility. You can try to infer things out of my statement, but it seems quite straight forward. I suppose you guys would have liked Dawkins to champion evolution against Palin in 2008? People like Perry, Bachmann, and Palin don't need redundant actions of Dawkins to expose ignorance. The media and its pundits do it by simply showing people what these people are saying and their previous actions.

Cyan said:
Why do you keep arguing with people in this thread? Do you actually think you'll change anyone's mind?

I'm not here to change anyone's mind. I'm here to have a discussion. I don't think their minds can be changed anyway lol.
 
Uchip said:
point out how he is a prick
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.
Some of the smartest and most well educated people i know believe in it.
Orayn said:
So you're okay with Perry's brand of bigotry and ignorance as long as it's delivered with a handhsake and a friendly smile?
Nope, but i have not had to hear about Perry for years.
 
Orayn said:
So you're okay with Perry's brand of bigotry and ignorance as long as it's delivered with a handhsake and a friendly smile?
That much isn't even true, since Perry recently made a veiled threat against Bernanke. Dawkins may be aggressive in "tone", but it's hard to claim that he isn't a reasonable human being.
 
Feep said:
So we should never try to correct people's misguided ideas about science, because they won't listen to us?

Okay.


That's what he's putting forth yeah. Only expose untruths if the person you're exposing them to will agree with you.


He's an odd little duck.
 
dIEHARD said:
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.
Some of the smartest and most well educated people i know believe in it.

Do you support 'intelligence design'?
 
dIEHARD said:
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.
Some of the smartest and most well educated people i know believe in it.


One or the other, mate.
 
dIEHARD said:
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.
Some of the smartest and most well educated people i know believe in it.

you know
somehow this post works in dawkins favour
 
CaptYamato said:
Have you ever seen or read anything that has to do with him? The few debates I have seen him in, he was to most civil person ever. It's usually the person on the other side that are being the dicks.
Oh, he can be quite blunt and direct with his opinions and say them without apology. Add in his British accent and he comes off as an arrogant prick to many.

But that's their problem if they can't handle it. You don't have a right not to be offended. The facts are the facts whether you accept them or not.

The great Neil DeGrasse Tyson comment on Dawkins' abrasive style and Dawkin's response is appropriate here.
 
dIEHARD said:
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.
Some of the smartest and most well educated people i know believe in it.
If you're talking about intelligent design in the sense of creationism warmed over, you need to meet some smarter people.
 
I see nothing wrong with Richard Dawkins calling Rick Perry out. He's a public figure running for what is still the most powerful position in the world. He can and should be challenged on all his statements concerning science. Nothing about this is off limits.
 
krypt0nian said:
One or the other, mate.
Well, not necessarily. I'd say there are three ways you could fail to accept evolution. One, ignorance, lack of knowledge about the massive piles of empirical evidence for evolution, or lack of knowledge about evolution itself. Two, lack of understanding, whether about science in general, how evidence works, or about how evolution works. Three, unwillingness to put it all together. Because of deeply cherished beliefs, or fear of social consequences, or what have you, some people who have both knowledge and understanding will simply avoid putting them together and concluding that evolution is correct.

Dawkins (IIRC) labeled these as ignorant, stupid, or insane... which is a little over the top. I prefer ignorant, incapable, and unwilling.
 
What's with the knee-jerk reactions to dawkins?
Nearly every thread that involves him has posts with variants of "I hate him and he's a prick" within a few minutes of posting, regardless of subject matter, regardless of the degree of involvement he has in the matter, and regardless of whether he's correct or not. It's really annoying.

It wouldn't even be that bad if the people who posted it added anything to the discussion, but it's usually all they have to say.

Rick perry should get called out on this. His willfully ignorant views on scientific theories are something of utmost importance to his platform, and it is rather worrying that he is close to being in a position of greater power than he currently has.
 
Orayn said:
If you're talking about intelligent design in the sense of creationism warmed over, you need to meet some smarter people.
People with PHD's and IQ's in the 150's is prob about the best im going to do.
 
that1dude24 said:
What's with the knee-jerk reactions to dawkins?
Nearly every thread that involves him has posts with variants of "I hate him and he's a prick" within a few minutes of posting, regardless of subject matter, regardless of the degree of involvement he has in the matter, and regardless of whether he's correct or not. It's really annoying.

It wouldn't even be that bad if the people who posted it added anything to the discussion, but it's usually all they have to say on the matter.

It's easier to hate a group if you have a figurehead, regardless of whether or not he actually represents anything. Sort of like a strawman--instead of attacking the scientific data which they don't understand, they choose to attack the man instead.
 
Never got the Dawkins hate.

He offers no ground to the uneducated and gives no concessions to the ignorant. He's worked hard to know his shit, and sees no reason to be humble about it. In debates he is eloquent, quick witted, and evidenced.

I wish more scientists were like him, and that more people like Perry were called out by academia for their bullshit and ignorance peddling for political goals.
 
that1dude24 said:
What's with the knee-jerk reactions to dawkins?
Nearly every thread that involves him has posts with variants of "I hate him and he's a prick" within a few minutes of posting, regardless of subject matter, regardless of the degree of involvement he has in the matter, and regardless of whether he's correct or not. It's really annoying.

It wouldn't even be that bad if the people who posted it added anything to the discussion, but it's usually all they have to say.
It's an easy way to avoid facing actual arguments, while still getting to feel right and feel justified in your belief.
 
that1dude24 said:
What's with the knee-jerk reactions to dawkins?
Nearly every thread that involves him has posts with variants of "I hate him and he's a prick" within a few minutes of posting, regardless of subject matter, regardless of the degree of involvement he has in the matter, and regardless of whether he's correct or not. It's really annoying.

It wouldn't even be that bad if the people who posted it added anything to the discussion, but it's usually all they have to say.

Rick perry should get called out on this. His willfully ignorant views on scientific theories are something of utmost importance to his platform, and it is rather worrying that he is close to being in a position of greater power than he currently has.

Probably because of this:
According to a 2009 Gallup study , only 38 percent of Americans say they believe in evolution.

They just want him to shut up so they don't have to hear the truth. They might as well just cover their ears and go la la la instead.
 
Cyan said:
Well, not necessarily. I'd say there are three ways you could fail to accept evolution. One, ignorance, lack of knowledge about the massive piles of empirical evidence for evolution, or lack of knowledge about evolution itself. Two, lack of understanding, whether about science in general, how evidence works, or about how evolution works. Three, unwillingness to put it all together. Because of deeply cherished beliefs, or fear of social consequences, or what have you, some people who have both knowledge and understanding will simply avoid putting them together and concluding that evolution is correct.

Dawkins (IIRC) labeled these as ignorant, stupid, or insane... which is a little over the top. I prefer ignorant, incapable, and unwilling.

I was speaking of people who have examined their beliefs. Those that ignorantly accept are the fun ones. He said they were the best educated and the smartest he knew. I would then assume they had examined their opinions.

But then again, people surprise me all the time. ;)


dIEHARD said:
People with PHD's and IQ's in the 150's is prob about the best im going to do.

They have real issues with critical thinking and scientific method apparently. Refer them to a better university? They may be due for a refund.
 
krypt0nian said:
I was speaking of people who have examined their beliefs. Those that ignorantly accept are the fun ones. He said they were the best educated and the smartest he knew. I would then assume they had examined their opinions.

But then again, people surprise me all the time. ;)

You would be surprised how often very intelligent people do irrational things, or have irrational beliefs. It is sad, but we are human after all, and so we are prone to such faults.

Look at it this way, primary school teachers who teach evolution aren't exactly the smartest group of people, and yet they are right, while there much smarter people out there who do not believe in evolution.
 
jaxword said:
Why are you avoiding the question about whether or not you support intelligence design?
I believe in evolution by design, for lack of a better term. Don't know why it has anything to do with it.
 
dIEHARD said:
I believe in evolution by design, for lack of a better term. Don't know why it has anything to do with it.

What does "evolution by design" mean? That's not a biological term.
 
dIEHARD said:
People with PHD's and IQ's in the 150's is prob about the best im going to do.

IMAGINATION_by_RDCarneiro.jpg
 
jaxword said:
What does "evolution by design" mean? That's not a biological term.

lol, okay...you pique my interest. What exactly are you? Are you a biologist or some other occupation of scientist? Where did you study and what was your concentration? I'm genuinely curious because you seem to project being an authority on this particular subject. At least based on your posts thus far.
 
dIEHARD said:
Essentially saying that anyone who believes in intelligence design is a moron and uneducated.

Just curious; If intelligent design is true, why are there mass extinctions?
 
dIEHARD said:
People with PHD's and IQ's in the 150's is prob about the best im going to do.
People with PhD's are laymen outside of their field you know.

you wouldn't let your mechanic install your dentures, don't put a PhD on a pedestal they haven't earned.
 
linsivvi said:
You would be surprised how often very intelligent people do irrational things, or have irrational beliefs. It is sad, but we are human after all, and so we are prone to such faults.

Look at it this way, primary school teachers who teach evolution aren't exactly the smartest group of people, and yet they are right, while there much smarter people out there who do not believe in evolution.


Wait, do you honestly believe a grade school teacher is more intelligent than a quantum physics professor because they don't believe in evolution?
 
dIEHARD said:
evolution by design

If you understood any aspect of evolution, then you'd know that the concept is thoroughly incompatible with "design". The above is two mutually exclusive statements making up some hybrid pseudo-science philosophy that tries to reconcile modern scientific developments with a desire to hold on to a magical intent. It commits the gravest crime of science - it has no evidence - and therefore is a conclusion reached through no scientific reasoning.
 
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