QI Facts
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Dalek Dave wrote:
Half of British Adults don't believe in Evolution? Really? I didn't realise there were so many stupid people
Did you just use a fundamentalist style statement? To paraphrase what you wrote: You don't believe what I believe, therefore you are stupid. Dave, I thought you were more well spoken than that.
It was broke, so I fixed it.
S Houghtelin wrote:
You don't believe what I believe, therefore you are stupid.
If someone claimed that 1 + 1 = 3, would you respect their right to believe something that you don't, or would you laugh at them for being stupid? If someone tried to pass a law asserting that π is exactly 3.2, would you accept their belief, or laugh them out of court[^]? Unfortunately, most people who refuse to "believe" in evolution do so not because they have a better theory, but because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. And that's fine, until they start trying to claim that their religious beliefs have as much scientific credibility as evolution, and should be given equal billing in science lessons.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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It's not the fact that scientist call it a theory (Which is is, otherwise it would be called the law of evolution; on a side not, I love watching a adamant evolutionist state, "Well it's pretty much a law" but that will be addressed later. It's not the holes in the theory (personally I think evolution is a pretty good theory as for what we have going) My problem with evolution, is that fundamentalist bigots are usually on the wrong side. Sure I expect the christian right to by fairly opposed but I have yet to meet an evolutionist who is wiling to concede that it is just a theory and they go to name calling fast. No offense DD but calling people stupid because they don't agree with you is bigotry [but only because of my limited vocabulary], (Yes, yes, I know it is pretty much a law) So my fundamental believe is not in evolution but that evolution fits into a larger puzzle and that only time will tell which it is.
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost "All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch
Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
it is just a theory
Every scientist will agree that evolution is a theory. However, the "theory" in "scientific theory" doesn't mean what you seem to think it means:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theory[^]
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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Are you being serious or just trying to support Dave because he is "popular"?
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Although a lot of them will be prepared to believe in a sky pixie or some other shite like that.
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If not evolution, then what? Space Pixies and Magic Dust?
By the way, mentioning a creator is not bringing in religion.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
OK, so if mentioning a creator is not bringing in religion, then how does mentioning sky pixies, space pixies or magic dust count as bringing in religion? Is there a "sky pixie / space pixie / magic dust" religion that I'm not aware of? And I'm not just supporting Dave because he's popular; with the exception of the Moon landings, I happen to agree with a lot of what he says. ;P
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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OK, so if mentioning a creator is not bringing in religion, then how does mentioning sky pixies, space pixies or magic dust count as bringing in religion? Is there a "sky pixie / space pixie / magic dust" religion that I'm not aware of? And I'm not just supporting Dave because he's popular; with the exception of the Moon landings, I happen to agree with a lot of what he says. ;P
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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OK, so if mentioning a creator is not bringing in religion, then how does mentioning sky pixies, space pixies or magic dust count as bringing in religion? I
Sky pixies, space pixes, and magic dust are his way of "trying" to offend religion. A creator is not religion. Religion puts attributes and characteristics to a creator. Regardless, I don't see why you have no problem with his post, especially since he called people stupid for disagreeing with him, and have a problem with mine. Sure feels like favoritism. Not that I care, just saying.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
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OK, so if mentioning a creator is not bringing in religion, then how does mentioning sky pixies, space pixies or magic dust count as bringing in religion? I
Sky pixies, space pixes, and magic dust are his way of "trying" to offend religion. A creator is not religion. Religion puts attributes and characteristics to a creator. Regardless, I don't see why you have no problem with his post, especially since he called people stupid for disagreeing with him, and have a problem with mine. Sure feels like favoritism. Not that I care, just saying.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
I don't have a problem with your post as such. I was just pointing out that if you're trying to start a debate on the relative merits of evolution vs religion, it doesn't belong in the Lounge. But then we seem to have digressed into a debate on whether this was already a religious debate, so I guess that defeated the purpose. :)
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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See Here for DT Article[^] Americans are one third of the mass of humanity? Possibly, I have seen some big people there. Half of British Adults don't believe in Evolution? Really? I didn't realise there were so many stupid people. Although a lot of them will be prepared to believe in a sky pixie or some other shite like that. Shark Bay in Australia is now called “Safety Beach”. So it is.[^] I shall not bother going there then. Had it been Shark Bay I would have gone but now the fluffy pussy brigade have taken over the Ocker Homeland I suppose it is just a matter of time before MM is wearing a tutu and sipping a pink gin.
--------------------------------- Obscurum per obscurius. Ad astra per alas porci. Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.
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I don't have a problem with your post as such. I was just pointing out that if you're trying to start a debate on the relative merits of evolution vs religion, it doesn't belong in the Lounge. But then we seem to have digressed into a debate on whether this was already a religious debate, so I guess that defeated the purpose. :)
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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"The average woman spends 16 months of her life crying" I wonder if that includes the time as baby/child.
The good thing about pessimism is, that you are always either right or pleasently surprised.
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Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
it is just a theory
Every scientist will agree that evolution is a theory. However, the "theory" in "scientific theory" doesn't mean what you seem to think it means:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theory[^]
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
Dont tell that to Dave :laugh:
Every day, thousands of innocent plants are killed by vegetarians. Help end the violence EAT BACON
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Ennis Ray Lynch, Jr. wrote:
it is just a theory
Every scientist will agree that evolution is a theory. However, the "theory" in "scientific theory" doesn't mean what you seem to think it means:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_theory[^]
A scientific theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on knowledge that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
Ah yes, the argument that I must be wrong because I don't understand the definition of theory. I know where this is going. I was merely stating a point. But, please, continue to make it for me : )
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost "All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch
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Ah yes, the argument that I must be wrong because I don't understand the definition of theory. I know where this is going. I was merely stating a point. But, please, continue to make it for me : )
Need custom software developed? I do custom programming based primarily on MS tools with an emphasis on C# development and consulting. "And they, since they Were not the one dead, turned to their affairs" -- Robert Frost "All users always want Excel" --Ennis Lynch
I have no idea whether or not you understand the definition of "theory" as it relates to "scientific theory". However, from what I've seen, people who say "it's just a theory" are usually equating the word "theory" with the word "guess", which is the wrong definition. Having the wrong definition of the word "theory" doesn't necessarily make you wrong, but it does make you more likely to dismiss scientific evidence as "guesswork", which would undermine your argument.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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Dalek Dave wrote:
I am doing a degree in evolutionary biology
Now that explains the evangelism :laugh:
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See Here for DT Article[^] Americans are one third of the mass of humanity? Possibly, I have seen some big people there. Half of British Adults don't believe in Evolution? Really? I didn't realise there were so many stupid people. Although a lot of them will be prepared to believe in a sky pixie or some other shite like that. Shark Bay in Australia is now called “Safety Beach”. So it is.[^] I shall not bother going there then. Had it been Shark Bay I would have gone but now the fluffy pussy brigade have taken over the Ocker Homeland I suppose it is just a matter of time before MM is wearing a tutu and sipping a pink gin.
--------------------------------- Obscurum per obscurius. Ad astra per alas porci. Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.
Dalek Dave wrote:
Shark Bay in Australia is now called “Safety Beach”. So it is.[^]
Ah yes, if you'd been anywhere near the surrounding suburbs, you'd realize just funny the name is. The Mornington Peninsula has been a spectacularly volatile hotspot at new-years-eve for decades now. Shhhhh! We just keep the name so we can continue to lure attract tourists in for a bit of er, 'entertainment'. wholesome family fun. :-\ I'd hazard a guess that there's actually more people hurt there every year than any beach you can name around here that does have sharks. (it's about 31 miles from where I sit presently)
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S Houghtelin wrote:
You don't believe what I believe, therefore you are stupid.
If someone claimed that 1 + 1 = 3, would you respect their right to believe something that you don't, or would you laugh at them for being stupid? If someone tried to pass a law asserting that π is exactly 3.2, would you accept their belief, or laugh them out of court[^]? Unfortunately, most people who refuse to "believe" in evolution do so not because they have a better theory, but because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. And that's fine, until they start trying to claim that their religious beliefs have as much scientific credibility as evolution, and should be given equal billing in science lessons.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
I am not debating evolution, that discussion needs to go no further. I was just pointing out to the honearble Dalek that answering in the same manner of childish argument of those he opposes does nothing to support his contentions. It places him in the company of those he opposes. As Mr. Lynch pointed out "calling people stupid because they don't agree with you is bigotry" Assuming that your opponent is stupid, and saying as much, does little to support the veracity of your point of view. This also immediately shuts down any avenue of meaningful discussion to provide support to the validity of your point of view. A kind of "I can't talk to you, you're too stupid to understand" before any dialog even begins. You only end in shouting matches or discussions with only people who think the same way. The opportunity to enlighten or to be enlightened in either case is lost.
It was broke, so I fixed it.
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See Here for DT Article[^] Americans are one third of the mass of humanity? Possibly, I have seen some big people there. Half of British Adults don't believe in Evolution? Really? I didn't realise there were so many stupid people. Although a lot of them will be prepared to believe in a sky pixie or some other shite like that. Shark Bay in Australia is now called “Safety Beach”. So it is.[^] I shall not bother going there then. Had it been Shark Bay I would have gone but now the fluffy pussy brigade have taken over the Ocker Homeland I suppose it is just a matter of time before MM is wearing a tutu and sipping a pink gin.
--------------------------------- Obscurum per obscurius. Ad astra per alas porci. Quidquid latine dictum sit, altum videtur.
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You cannot show me the evolution of man from apes - it cannot be repeated. I'm sorry, but I only believe things that I can observe. I'm just a scientist that way.
MehGerbil wrote:
You cannot show me the evolution of man from apes
Mainly because Man didn't evolve from apes; both species evolved from a common ape-like ancestor.
MehGerbil wrote:
I only believe things that I can observe.
That's fine. As OG said earlier[^], evolution will continue whether you believe in it or not. ;P
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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S Houghtelin wrote:
You don't believe what I believe, therefore you are stupid.
If someone claimed that 1 + 1 = 3, would you respect their right to believe something that you don't, or would you laugh at them for being stupid? If someone tried to pass a law asserting that π is exactly 3.2, would you accept their belief, or laugh them out of court[^]? Unfortunately, most people who refuse to "believe" in evolution do so not because they have a better theory, but because it conflicts with their religious beliefs. And that's fine, until they start trying to claim that their religious beliefs have as much scientific credibility as evolution, and should be given equal billing in science lessons.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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I have no idea whether or not you understand the definition of "theory" as it relates to "scientific theory". However, from what I've seen, people who say "it's just a theory" are usually equating the word "theory" with the word "guess", which is the wrong definition. Having the wrong definition of the word "theory" doesn't necessarily make you wrong, but it does make you more likely to dismiss scientific evidence as "guesswork", which would undermine your argument.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
I think most educated people understand "scientific theory" as being much much more than guessing; however, that does not change the fact that it is not proof.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
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1 + 1 = 3
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π is exactly 3.2
The difference is those are not theories. The analogy isn't quite accurate.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
RyanDev wrote:
The difference is those are not theories.
I refer you to my earlier post[^] - the term "scientific theory" does not mean "guess". The word has a very specific meaning, which many people seem to either miss or deliberately ignore.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
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I think most educated people understand "scientific theory" as being much much more than guessing; however, that does not change the fact that it is not proof.
There are only 10 types of people in the world, those who understand binary and those who don't.
RyanDev wrote:
that does not change the fact that it is not proof
So what? We should just give up and believe the same thing as our parents, because a bunch of farmers 5000 years ago claimed that their ideas were "facts" and not "theories"? A scientific theory may not constitute absolute proof, but until a new theory comes along that better explains the evidence, it's the best we've got.
"These people looked deep within my soul and assigned me a number based on the order in which I joined." - Homer
