1. Scientists Draw Link Between Morality And Brain's Wiring

Comment #43582 by dom9inic on May 22, 2007 at 4:19 am

I'm halfway through Hauser's book , Moral Minds, and his opinion seems a little more nuanced that reported here. As others have stated, they are on the right track, and it will be wonderful when brain scanning gets more sophisticated and can truly indicate what regions light up and in what order etc.

To put it in context, for these boards, we are moving closer to a scientific theory of morality. I distinctly remember the Science and Belief conference not long ago where most of the esteemed scientists in attendence displayed extreme skepticism at Harris's claim that he thought a science of morality could be found and used. These studies get us closer to that goal.

Go buy Hauser's book, it's very well written.

2. Britain Proposes Allowing Schools to Forbid Full-Face Muslim Veils

Comment #26879 by dom9inic on March 22, 2007 at 5:47 am

I don't like the fact that it is left to the headmaster's discretion. Not sure I'd be brave enough as a head to try and adopt an all out ban. The locals can turn nasty.

Should have been government mandate.

3. Scientist Finds the Beginnings of Morality in Primate Behavior

Comment #26683 by dom9inic on March 21, 2007 at 5:39 am

I wuld echo that to say Biology should be the sole bastion of morals is wrong, all should be welcomed to the table.

I think correct empthasis for Biology and morals is that it can help everyone determine how to be moral. It can highlight why we have knee jerk reactions to things and not to others. If you know where, how and why, you can probably devise a more informed way of dealing with a moral dilemna as a society.

4. Interview with Steven Pinker

Comment #26014 by dom9inic on March 16, 2007 at 5:26 am

That book is superb. Read it. Not new though.

5. Why there are almost no genuine atheists

Comment #24533 by dom9inic on March 7, 2007 at 5:45 am

Weak drivel designed to push the agenda of a religious president. If all people including atheists are religious in a sense, then why not have a president that reflects everyone's views.

Utter rubbish.

6. Ancient boy's skeleton sparks evolution debate

Comment #21194 by dom9inic on February 8, 2007 at 1:39 am

I would be very concerned about the security of these fossils. As someone else pointed out, it is not beyond those who wish to see an end to any other world view than their own to destroy such treasures.

I wonder what the response would be.

7. Christian Shrine Needs Two Exits, Israel Says

Comment #17865 by dom9inic on January 17, 2007 at 4:47 am

Given that there have been a number of human tragedies surrounding over crowding and death at religious sites, they ought to take more notice of health and safety.