This revolutionary piece of Science Fiction really rocked my world back in circa 1971. Cliff wrote a cautionary tale that warned of how the pendulum could swing from one extreme to the other so easily. From Science to Superstition in one fell swoop. Yes, yes, it involved E.S.P. and various other mental abilities which are patently silly, but there was a hugely important sociological message there that ALL skeptics ought to take to heart. I don’t even know if it is still in print, but damnit, it SHOULD be.

Reality is only for people that can’t cope with SF…

Blog On!

-Tara

Your website is also the reason I found out about the JREF, and for that reason I’ll be forever grateful. I look forward to hanging out with you again at TAM5!

But I am wondering whether George’s comment which included, ” They are the same ones who as jurors would never put a defendant in prison without proof beyond any reasonable doubt that a crime had been committed. ” is really what was meant as the other instances as quoted seem to be the opposite. Surely proof of guilt is far more important than the Innocent having to proove their innocence. And it is this very questioning that ‘Bad Astronomy’ Blog provides us with an opportunity to join discussions. More power to you, Phil.

Ivan

Unfortunately, in the arena of public perception and persuasion, the debate has come down to a shouting match. As silly as rational people think it is, we have to make sure we’re shouting as loud as we can. People are generally smart, and we have a great chance of keeping science strong and critical thinking alive as long as we are vigilant.

that said, have you seen this months playboy? quite a spread on what’s going on about the creationism. check it out.

But bring up religion with these same individuals and rationality and any need for common sense proof flies out the window. They “know” they are right. Or they just “feel” they are correct. Why does the need for proof of something so obviously important to them cease to be important in this subject area? Why are religious concepts exempt from having to pass any reality check? (Obviously rhetorical questions and observations only.) What’s really scary to me is that many of these folks are our political representatives. Where do we have greater need for rational thought and facts as the bases for decision making than in our own government?

You keep going Phil. We need more like you to keep us from being dragged into the dark ages again. Anyone else who can become enlightened by your teachings will put humanity one step closer to truly understanding who we are, why we are here, and where we came from. In the words of my favorite TV scientist, Bill Nye, “Science Rules!”