It is easier to arrive at a ‘just price’ for beer and jam than for purification.… Read the rest
All entries by this author
Eugenie Scott on the Creationist ‘Origin’
Nov 1st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonFaced with ignorance like this, she is reminded of a jeremiad: ‘Oh foolish people, and without understanding.’… Read the rest
First Scientology, Then the Rest of Religion
Nov 1st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonScientology is deemed a sect not a religion, so they are required to produce evidence for their claims.… Read the rest
Andrew Copson: Happy 150th to ‘On Liberty’
Nov 1st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe communalist approach to diversity places ‘groups’ at the centre of policy rather than free individuals.… Read the rest
Nick Cohen on Instant Protests
Nov 1st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIf someone points out an incorrect fact, you correct it; if people say you must think what they think, you ignore them.… Read the rest
Jason Rosenhouse on Accommodationism
Nov 1st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIt is liberal denominations that are losing members, while more conservative churches are going strong.… Read the rest
Steve Fuller
Oct 31st, 2009 | By Ophelia BensonSteve Fuller is a prolific sociologist of science, of the social constructionist school. He testified in the Kitzmiller trial in Dover, Pennsylvania in October 2005, as an expert witness for the defense. Amusingly enough, the judge cited his testimony in finding for the plaintiffs; his expert testimony turned out to be something of an own goal.
… Read the restProfessor Steven William Fuller testified that it is ID’s
project to change the ground rules of science to include the supernatural…This definition was described by many witnesses for both parties, notably including defense experts Minnich and Fuller, as “special creation” of
kinds of animals, an inherently religious and creationist concept…Moreover and as previously stated, there is
hardly better evidence of ID’s relationship with creationism
How It Should Be Done
Oct 31st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonIt’s about framing, and communication, but with reasons, and examples, and more reasons.… Read the rest
No Tight Jeans for Women in Aceh
Oct 31st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘If there are parties who disagree, don’t be angry with me. Be angry with God as I’m only carrying out a religious obligation.’… Read the rest
David Nutt on the Cannabis Conundrum
Oct 31st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonThe process of determining drug classification has become complex and highly politicised.… Read the rest
Marching Against al-Muhajiroun
Oct 31st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonWe are turning out to defend the virtues of a secular democracy that Islam4UK despises.… Read the rest
Jesus and Mo Dress up for Halloween
Oct 31st, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSpooooky.… Read the rest
Return of Steve Fuller
Oct 30th, 2009 4:47 pm | By Ophelia BensonPerhaps you saw the unpleasant spectacle of Steve Fuller being more disgusting than one would have thought possible.
… Read the restNorman Levitt has died…I imagine that Levitt as someone of great unfulfilled promise — mathematicians typically fulfil their promise much earlier than other academics – who then decided that he would defend the scientific establishment from those who questioned its legitimacy. Why? Well, one reason would be to render his own sense of failure intelligible…And yes, what I am offering is an ad hominem argument, but ad hominem arguments are fallacies only when they are used indiscriminately. In this case, it helps to explain – and perhaps even excuse – Levitt’s evolution into a minor science fascist…I believe that Levitt’s ultimate
I taught them everything they know
Oct 30th, 2009 3:50 pm | By Ophelia BensonChris Mooney explains that journalists often get things wrong.
Why is Richard Dawkins, promoting his new evolution book, regularly being asked about his atheism, and why he is “strident,” “polarizing,” etc? Is it the media’s fault–or is it Dawkins’? I would actually say a bit of both.
Journalists can be quite irresponsible, and even when they’re not outright irresponsible, they love to be provocative and to stir up conflict. To them, Dawkins is “Mr. Big Atheist,” and thus instinctively seen as a polarizing figure. Many radio or TV hosts, and even print journalists that Dawkins encounters on his tour, will not have read his books carefully; instead, they will be going on impressions and what they’ve heard.
Ahhhhhh yes, … Read the rest
Medvedev Repudiates Stalin-defenders
Oct 30th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSaid there are attempts to justify the repression of the past, warned against the falsification of history. … Read the rest
Illegal Drugs Harmful Because Illegal
Oct 30th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia Benson‘We remain determined to crack down on all illegal substances and minimise their harm to health.’… Read the rest
Ben Goldacre: Aids Denialism at the Spectator
Oct 30th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonA lot of strange stuff can fly in under the claim that you are ‘simply starting a debate.’… Read the rest
Home Secretary Sacks Drugs Adviser
Oct 30th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonDavid Nutt accused ministers of devaluing and distorting evidence, politicizing drugs classification.… Read the rest
Journalists See Dawkins as Mr Big Atheist
Oct 30th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonSays journalist Chris Mooney, who has been calling Dawkins Mr Big Atheist for months.… Read the rest
Steve Fuller’s Putrid Farewell to Norm Levitt
Oct 29th, 2009 | Filed by Ophelia BensonNow that he’s dead, it’s safe to call him a fascist – twice.… Read the rest