philosophy

What atheists need to ask the faithful ~ JT Eberhard

JT Eberhard is a persuasive young man. An atheist and advocate for freedom of thought, he speaks regularly about atheism and how to discuss religion and atheism with religious believers. During this talk, JT Eberhard asks a number of questions that hit home and trace my path from reasonably devout Catholic to an irreligious agnostic, or “free thinker” as some like to say. Believers would probably just call me an atheist. Labels are easy. Understanding is hard. (more…)

By Decaf, ago

“A fascinatingly disturbing thought” ~ Neil deGrasse Tyson

Neil deGrasse Tyson’s disturbing thought: That there is about a one percent difference between human DNA and the DNA of our nearest genetic relatives the chimpanzee. You could say that whatever it is that makes us human is somehow contained in that one percent difference. Think of what those differences are: simple tools vs. rockets, gestured “language” vs. poetry and the language of mathematics.

So imagine if we encountered a life form that is one percent “more advanced” than humans, in the same way that humans are one percent more advanced than chimpanzees. Imagine what that might look like–keeping in mind how we treat those one percent “inferior” to us.

It’s a “fascinatingly disturbing thought.”

Do view the video below…It’s Neil deGrasse Tyson at his best.

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By Decaf, ago

Video game that can add 10 years to your life ~ Jane McGonigal ~ TED

Game designer Jane McGonigal gives a fascinating TED talk on how video games can have a real, positive impact on people’s lives as she compares deathbed regrets to the reported benefits of playing a simple game. In the talk, McGonigal reveals that she suffered a severe concussion or traumatic brain injury and used a simple game she designed (SuperBetter) to help cope with her symptoms while healing.

I was quite inspired by McGonigal’s enthusiasm and confidence that video games can be a source for good in our lives. I’ve gotta check out her book Reality Is Broken: Why Games Make Us Better and How They Can Change the World (AMZ).
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By Decaf, ago