Listen to Michael Shermer's mini-book The Soul of Science on this mp3 download. Click on the mp3 link and listen on your computer. Or save the file by right-clicking (PC users) or control-clicking (Mac users) the mp3. This makes for easy listening on your iPod or other mp3 player.
In this short (35 minute) audio Shermer explains why he believes that science can meet many of the needs religion does. In the process, he describes his view of the soul, immortality, spirituality and several other issues. Whether you agree with him or not, I think you'll find it thought-provoking. So click the link, listen, and leave your reaction here in the comments section! Enjoy!
3/29/2007
Warfare and Devotion to the Sacred Ideal
The following announcement comes from Orion Anderson. (Thanks Orion!) Please- if you are able to attend, let me know your thoughts about the event!
- - -
THE PEACE EDUCATION CENTER invites you to attend a special colloquium presented by
Richard A. Koenigsberg:
“Warfare and Devotion to the Sacred Ideal”
Wednesday, April 18 - 7:00–9:00pm
Teachers College, Columbia University
Room 179 Grace Dodge
(525 West 120th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam)
There is no charge for this special event, but space is limited. To hold your place, please send an email ASAP to: PEC-Colloquium /AT/ ScholarlyCalls.com
If warfare and other forms of collective violence were viewed solely as a bad thing, achieving peace would not be difficult. But warfare often is conceived as a grand and noble enterprise. This colloquium will explore the relationship between violence and a group’s attachment to its sacred ideals.
Bin Laden and other Islamic radicals often proclaim, “We love death the way you Americans love life”—implying that the United States is decadent and corrupt—lacking in spiritual values. September 11 provided the occasion for Americans to recommit to their sacred ideals.
President George Bush declared after 9/11: “I see out of this evil will come good as youngsters all of a sudden understand the value of sacrifice.” He calls freedom the “mightiest force in history.” Waging war allows a nation to demonstrate the depth of its devotion to its sacred ideals.
Space is limited. To hold your place, please send an email ASAP to:
PEC-Colloquium /AT/ ScholarlyCalls.com
Perhaps the following idea has sustained the Iraqi war: “Do not imagine that the United States lacks sacred values. We too possess ideals for which we are willing to kill and die: As young people in the Middle-East martyr themselves for Allah, so young Americans sacrifice their lives for freedom and democracy.”
Through lecture and intensive discussion, this colloquium seeks to move toward the possibility of peace—by exploring the sources of the human attachment to war.
Richard A. Koenigsberg holds a PhD in Social Psychology from the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research. He is the author of numerous books and papers including “Dying for One’s Country: The Logic of War and Genocide.” He lectures extensively on the sources of societal violence. In the fall he will embark on a college lecture tour on “Civilization and Self-Destruction.” Please see: http://www.programsthatmatter.com/program.php?program_id=3
- - -
THE PEACE EDUCATION CENTER invites you to attend a special colloquium presented by
Richard A. Koenigsberg:
“Warfare and Devotion to the Sacred Ideal”
Wednesday, April 18 - 7:00–9:00pm
Teachers College, Columbia University
Room 179 Grace Dodge
(525 West 120th St. between Broadway and Amsterdam)
There is no charge for this special event, but space is limited. To hold your place, please send an email ASAP to: PEC-Colloquium /AT/ ScholarlyCalls.com
If warfare and other forms of collective violence were viewed solely as a bad thing, achieving peace would not be difficult. But warfare often is conceived as a grand and noble enterprise. This colloquium will explore the relationship between violence and a group’s attachment to its sacred ideals.
Bin Laden and other Islamic radicals often proclaim, “We love death the way you Americans love life”—implying that the United States is decadent and corrupt—lacking in spiritual values. September 11 provided the occasion for Americans to recommit to their sacred ideals.
President George Bush declared after 9/11: “I see out of this evil will come good as youngsters all of a sudden understand the value of sacrifice.” He calls freedom the “mightiest force in history.” Waging war allows a nation to demonstrate the depth of its devotion to its sacred ideals.
Space is limited. To hold your place, please send an email ASAP to:
PEC-Colloquium /AT/ ScholarlyCalls.com
Perhaps the following idea has sustained the Iraqi war: “Do not imagine that the United States lacks sacred values. We too possess ideals for which we are willing to kill and die: As young people in the Middle-East martyr themselves for Allah, so young Americans sacrifice their lives for freedom and democracy.”
Through lecture and intensive discussion, this colloquium seeks to move toward the possibility of peace—by exploring the sources of the human attachment to war.
Richard A. Koenigsberg holds a PhD in Social Psychology from the Graduate Faculty of the New School for Social Research. He is the author of numerous books and papers including “Dying for One’s Country: The Logic of War and Genocide.” He lectures extensively on the sources of societal violence. In the fall he will embark on a college lecture tour on “Civilization and Self-Destruction.” Please see: http://www.programsthatmatter.com/program.php?program_id=3
3/05/2007
Religion & Science in NY Times
Religion and science are the subjects of another article in the New York Times. This one focuses on Scot Atran's views about why people believe in God. In particular, it examines competing explanations among scientists who see belief in God to be a natural result of the brain's processes.
Atran's education included a stint working with Margaret Mead, which led him to wonder whether belief in God is the default position. Perhaps belief in God requires less effort than disbelief? The article examines this question in good depth, and will lead you wanting to read more of Atran's work, as well as that of Justin Barrett and the other scientists quoted.
Atran's education included a stint working with Margaret Mead, which led him to wonder whether belief in God is the default position. Perhaps belief in God requires less effort than disbelief? The article examines this question in good depth, and will lead you wanting to read more of Atran's work, as well as that of Justin Barrett and the other scientists quoted.
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