05-18-2007, 04:38 PM | #541 |
Unreliable Narrator
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What? No! DIE, THREAD™!
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Squinky is always right, but only for certain values of "always" and "right". |
05-18-2007, 06:05 PM | #542 | |
DAVE
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IS THAT DAVE? |
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05-19-2007, 03:11 PM | #543 | |||
Creepy Father Figure
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05-26-2007, 02:50 PM | #544 |
Tactlessly understated
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This thread is almost awesome. If I were only four or five years younger I would have gladly spewed bile all over it. I also like the title.
I like Dawkins, I think he smart. But I also think his newest book may be kinda weak. Here's a good review. NYRoB FTW. |
05-26-2007, 04:43 PM | #545 | |||
Beyond Belief
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In some areas Dawkins isn't so strong, the book isn't weak as a whole. Others are much better at some things, he's only human, Weinberg, Harris, Dennett, etc... wouldn't have to write their books if Dawkins could do it all. Dawkins comes across such criticism a lot. Quote:
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Dennett's response
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05-26-2007, 09:46 PM | #546 |
Tactlessly understated
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The Dennett & Orr back-and-forth seems kinda unnecessary. All that Orr is saying is that Dawkins could've composed a tighter book, whereas Dennett seems to believe Orr wants Dawkins to bow down before religion. Orr's objections are almost purely aesthetic, constructive, encouraging against sloppiness and cheap shots in lieu of something potentially on the whole more relevant, whereas Dennett is insulted Orr would even dare find objection...
Personally, I think Bertrand Russell has said all atheists can say, and Dawkins is just wasting some time making a better mouse trap. Though, I guess this era, just like Russell's, needs a vocal advocate of reason, if not moreso. |
05-27-2007, 07:13 AM | #547 | ||
Beyond Belief
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Orr's point about the "tightness" of the book are down to misunderstanding the purpose, as Dawkins and Dennett have said. Critcisms like "middlebrow", give that away. It's just a misunderstanding, Orr's point is probably valuable for you and others, but not in general. That seems like the only criticism you see in his review (and the only sensible criticism), but there are obviously more. If that was the only criticism, it would have only taken one paragraph. Yes, Dawkins arguments are not new, there would be no need for The God Delusion if people read Russell. We do need a vocal advocate of reason and the best man for the job is Dawkins, and he is doing a fine job so far. Dennett's response was obviously necessary, if people are going to praise Orr's review. Quote:
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Richard Dawkins :: AAI 07 :: NOVA ID on Trial :: Skeptic's Guide :: Beyond Belief :: Out Campaign :: NeuroLogica :: Skepticality Last edited by Aj_; 05-27-2007 at 07:24 AM. |
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05-27-2007, 05:52 PM | #548 |
Creepy Father Figure
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We are just all paying for the sins of Robert Tilton
(I cannot believe he is back on the airwaves) |
05-29-2007, 03:48 AM | #549 |
A Servicable Villain
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I just started reading The God Delusion (and on the Dutch Christian holiday Whitmonday no less! What an excellent way of spending such a pointless free day!) and though it offers me nothing I didn't already learn either through reading Dawkins' other works, those of Bertrand Russell or musings of my own, it is on the whole a very pleasant read. It might not be as eye-opening as The Selfish Gene, but it's good reading nonetheless. As for its supposed sloppiness, I can't say anything yet. I'm only at chapter three.
But the witticisms alone are worth it; they make me laugh out loud. Also, I cannot for the life of me prevent myself from assuming Dawkins' splendidly British accent when reading this book necessarily aloud.
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06-08-2007, 07:19 AM | #550 |
Creepy Father Figure
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06-08-2007, 08:17 AM | #551 | |
Explode the Universe!
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06-10-2007, 07:31 PM | #552 |
The Major Grubert.
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And still, Tilton provides much entertainment.
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06-11-2007, 01:48 AM | #553 |
Explode the Universe!
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Haha...I'd find his stuff amusing even without the flatulence. Those fakey facial expressions...and those statements where he calls himself an "angel" BWAAHAHAA.
....unfortunately, from that Tilton link I started watching other stuff... like clips from Jesus Camp. Now I feel all depressed. |
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