Archive for the ‘Philosophy’ Category

A. C. Grayling

Monday, February 15th, 2010

I’ve read a couple of his books, I’ve heard a few of his speeches. Professor A. C. Grayling is one of the good guys.

Bertrand Russell at 87 – Spry, mischievous, articulate

Monday, February 15th, 2010

At 89, two years after this interview, Berty Russell was arrested at an anti-nuclear sit-in in parliament square, and sentenced to 7 days in jail.

Hitchens and Fry vs. Ann Widdecombe on The Ten Commandments

Friday, February 12th, 2010

I just don’t understand. What kind of person goes out and votes for Ann Widdecombe?
(That look Hitchens is giving her is priceless. “Woman, are you for real?”)

Dark day for Ireland

Friday, January 1st, 2010

Starting today, blasphemy is a crime in Ireland. Which is really confusing. After all these scandals concerning the catholic church in Ireland, you’d think the Irish would want to cut themselves some slack. Anyway, Atheist Ireland has began a campaign to have the law repealed with publishing 25 blasphemous quotes by famous people. (You can also find them here.)

Here’s one I like, lucky number thirteen:

13. Bjork, 1995: “I do not believe in religion, but if I had to choose one it would be Buddhism. It seems more livable, closer to men… I’ve been reading about reincarnation, and the Buddhists say we come back as animals and they refer to them as lesser beings. Well, animals aren’t lesser beings, they’re just like us. So I say fuck the Buddhists.”

Good luck to Atheist Ireland. I hope they find a way to cast off this shame – and all the feebleminded politicians who are responsible. Surely, even the most devout should be firmly against this absurd and dangerous violation of their freedom of expression.

Expand Your Mind: Getting a Grasp on Consciousness

Friday, December 18th, 2009

An interesting talk by Shulgin, Koch, Churchland, and Flatow at MIT World.

Flatow not only manages to mispronounce Koch’s name when he introduces him, he also mocks his (german) accent by saying “he will be back” after Koch leaves the stage. My sense of humor is impaired, so I don’t know what to make of that – but I thought it was worth mentioning.

Christopher Hitchens debates Jay Richards

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

This is the first part of a long debate – go to youtube for the rest, I couldn’t be bothered.

Jay Richards is a bullshitter. It is clear that he willfully misinterprets and manipulates the relevant science and philosophy to fit his ill-conceived & misguided religious agenda.

I just can’t believe what these ID people get away with.

The Evolution of Confusion

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Daniel Dennett at his best. And I learned a new word: deepity.

Design vs. Chance

Tuesday, December 1st, 2009

Hitchens, Harris, Dennett vs Boteach, D’Souza, Taleb

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

Truly remarkable.

… See, I new that “Black Swan” guy was up to no good.

By the way, you can view this on HD on youtube.

Roger Penrose

Monday, November 16th, 2009

Roger Penrose, advocate of the quantum theory of mind, says physics is wrong, from string theory to quantum mechanics.

He’s so wrong.

Intelligence Squared

Monday, November 9th, 2009

… or how Hitchens and Fry annihilated the arrogant defenders of the catholic church.

Happy Goddamn Blasphemy Day!

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Free speech is the foundation on which all other liberties rest. Without having the right to express our opinions, however unpopular, those willing to use political clout, violence, and threats will stifle dissent, and we must all suffer the consequences of this. As George Bernard Shaw quipped, “Every great truth begins as a blasphemy.”

Visit CFI for more information.

Satellite interview with Richard Dawkins

Tuesday, July 21st, 2009

Hitchens vs. one of the same

Sunday, June 28th, 2009


Check the venue…

…It’s Biola.

I expect Hitchens’s doing it for the sport of it, but Ι wonder if it makes a difference. I hope it does. Anyway, it is entertaining.