We learn through the study of science that the world is not capricious, that there is a majestic order and beauty that emerges from understanding. Science leads to a more optimistic view of the possibilities of humans. For some it also leads to a greater appreciation of the divine.
Buddhism has its problems. It originated as an Iron Age mythology and still contains many mythological elements that shouldn't be accepted merely because they are traditional.
In commemoration of Charles Darwin's birthday, we will be reading again about evolution. Much of it will have been said before, many times. Here I am going to try to take a less familiar line and show how Darwinian evolution by natural selection has roots in the atomism of ancient Greece.
In most realms of human endeavor, no one person ever stands out as clearly greater than the other greats in that field. Because so many are great, no one person ever shines brightest. Psychology is an exception -- Charles Darwin does tower over this field.
This particular morning in mid-April was quite chilly, although clear. In fact, the early suffusion of sunlight was promising a day of great beauty. Not that Michelle was listening to such promises. Far too busy. And besides, the climate inside was always perfect.
The vast majority of the planet's seven billion people ascribe to some kind of religious belief -- that is, a faith in things that cannot be proven. This makes no sense from a scientific and psychological point of view.
This question originally appeared on Quora. Answer by Chris Bland, Bio...
Cartesian dualism presupposed an independent reality "out there" that remains undisturbed during scientific observation. Heisenberg's uncertainty principle removes the partition separating mind from matter, rendering a fatal blow to Cartesian dualism.
Evolution Weekend is an opportunity for congregations all over the world to set aside some time to reflect on and discuss what it means to balance a religious world view with the knowledge gained from scientific investigations.
Far too many Americans seem to have become persuaded that what's true is what you say is true -- not what exists in actual reality. Facts are seen as fluid, flexible and adjustable according to one's personal beliefs, political inclinations or business interests.
The issue of personal responsibility for health and weight control comes up frequently in my professional circles, generating strong and opposing views. I have addressed this theme recently -- and many times in the past -- and expressed my own opinions.
People tend to believe that our species is superior to and separate from the animal kingdom, that we are the end point of the evolution of life on earth. That notion is not only false but extraordinarily dangerous.
What is it that separates everyday trust -- everyday leaps of faith, even -- from the kinds of ironclad beliefs that inspire jihads; crusades; leper-kissing; cathedral-building? How does one become so utterly sure of an idea that rests on so many unproven assumptions?
We have long known that lucky charms and superstitious rituals provide psychological comfort to those hoping to win the lottery, knock in a winning run, or get an A on a calculus exam, but now there is good evidence that our superstitions actually work -- not through magic but through psychology.
There is evidence now that, in spite of the perception at the time, the United States was not behind the Russians in STEM education and space technology in 1957. But today, the evidence is very clear and very different.