Comments by LorienRyan

301. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127233 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 4:38 am

My initial point remains that valuing a 'truth' is subjective.

Henri,

I disagree. It is an objective process, i.e., chemical reactions, etc.

I.e. falsity has survival benefits as well.

Well, that is really a semantic merry-go-round, eg, 'it is true that they believe in falsity'.

Although, I'm really not quite sure about what the actual point is here.

302. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127226 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 4:17 am

If I may, is not the value of truth in that it is not false. In other words, falsity has value in that it is not true, um, ok, how about, we know something is not true because we know it is false because we know the truth. But if we don't know the truth then we couldn't know if it is false, therefore we can know truth. But then what is the truth, well it is that which is not false. I think I'm getting the gist of it.

303. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127213 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 3:43 am

Saerain,

Timely. "...I could swallow my..." Pride? Hat? I wish Richard would tell us what he was going to say.

304. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127209 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 3:39 am

Did you eat him?

lol, no, I got the fuck out of there!

305. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127207 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 3:38 am

Is it not all a matter of perspective? Of Wille zur Macht?

Is that how you see it?

306. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127202 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 3:33 am

Truth certainly has a value. We have evolved to look for and learn truths, such as "tigers tend to eat you".

I tried to have a discussion with a tiger the other day, he didn't see things my way.

307. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127196 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 3:20 am

While we're on truth and value. Truth and/or supposed truth has much value, perceived or otherwise. Perceived truth has value for that very reason. Otherwise, someone is laughing all the way to the bank. EDIT: or getting a free lunch.

308. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127187 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:52 am

PJG,

Yes, and Henri Bergson's comment #126 articulates it quite nicely too. Unfortunetly I'm inclined to think it's just the ramblings of the subjected, as opposed to subjective ramblings, if there's a difference. It goes on. *sigh*

309. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127183 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:42 am

So I am of the view: Let's negate it. Let's live our lives as our lives. Let's take what life gives us as it is, and not try so hard to manipulate a reality that in the end refuses to let us have complete control.

You got it, let me quote those famous words, "if you think of it, lifes a piece of shit...always look on the bright side of life..."

310. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127181 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:38 am

PJG,

True, but three rights do make a left, kidding. Nonetheless, it goes on. Will it ever end? Probably not, I'll hire the hall and you can sell the tickets, we can split the difference later.

311. Why Darwin matters

Comment #127172 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:25 am

Wooter,

That was quite funny, your starting to get the gist of it, in a passive/aggressive sort of way.

312. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127170 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:18 am

so would we or would we not be better off if science (in this case) had never existed?

If I may, if one could weigh all the good science has done with all the bad it would be a much anticipated result. Fortunately or unfortunately science is here to stay, so lets advocate good science.

313. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127167 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:11 am

No, no fantasy, that is a proven scienctific fact.

314. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127163 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:06 am

GSP,

When Chuck Norris moves he doesn't move, the earth moves beneath him.

315. Feb 12th: Happy Darwin Day!

Comment #127161 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 2:02 am

we look for a theory in a basement of darkness and irrationality instead of looking for it in the sunlight of logic.

Very poetic. I imagine your talking about someone reading the bible in a dark basement.

316. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127154 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 1:53 am

To those of us who know that you can live fulfilled, good, caring and moral lives without any belief in God, we know exactly where he is coming from. For those who see atheism as an uncaring, selfish mindset, I suspect they would have latched on to that and feel satisfied that "ONLY RELIGION cares about people".

There are also atheists who think that religious people are all a bunch of crazy lunatics, so it cuts both ways and they keep each other going.

317. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127138 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 1:25 am

Cmon now, give me a challenge.

Provide some evidence, or at least a logical argument that points to some evidence.

It's about the arguments, not about what makes you feel comfortable to label me as.

People post here for various reasons, some are not so serious.

318. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127131 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 1:13 am

Diacanu,

Yep, #137, no doubt about it.

319. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127128 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 1:09 am

GSP,

Everything's gonna work out fine, hang in there, you'll be ok. All the best.

320. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127121 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:55 am

...it's Vampire Hunter D.

Got the DVD, great flic! The original is great too.

321. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127117 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:49 am

GSP,

Do you drive a 1969 Volkswagon by any chance?

322. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127113 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:45 am

I come across as a scientist?

Cool!!

There's definitely a science to posting here, I'm still in the experimental phase.

323. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127106 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:35 am

I heard her whisper something about...max, and, um, chaos. Couldn't quite make it out.

324. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127103 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:31 am

Is there a cocktail called that...illuminati? Hold on, I think I just saw the barmaid talk into her shoe!

325. Bill Maher on Larry King Live

Comment #127095 by LorienRyan on February 15, 2008 at 12:25 am

Get busy living, or get busy dying.

Those are your fucking choices.

There is a third...

Get busy sucking on a pina colada and just watch it all go by, aaaahhhhh :)

326. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127070 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 10:17 pm

...as if feeling good is the most important thing in the world.

You could be in the minority here. Considering that pharmaceuticals (and not necessarily the legal kind) and religion are probably the largest enterprises in the world, and how Richard Dawkins and Carl Sagan (arguably the two foremost public science writers) often appeal to the wonder of science, and Sam Harris uses 'the good life' and 'mental state of happiness' as the core for his arguments. I don't know, maybe feeling good is the most important thing in the world?

327. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127064 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 9:39 pm

I really don't agree with her use of the word globalization. It seemed more like some sort of political move to demonize globalization as if it were something to be afraid of.

Possibly, I'm not familiar with her political views. I agree that globalization doesn't cause fundamentalism, although I can see how it would be a factor in causing people to cling to their religious identity.

328. Pleas for condemned Saudi 'witch'

Comment #127057 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 9:20 pm

Can't help but to feel for that woman, the deck is really stacked against her. Western culture stuggled with this issue circa 1450-1700CE, when will Saudi Arabia have their enlightenment?

329. Debate between Richard Dawkins and Madeline Bunting

Comment #127055 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 9:11 pm

I thought that was a great discussion between Richard and Madeline. Madeline raised some really interesting points about globalizations effect on isolated communities and the issue of emotional insecurity within religion. Definitely important points to consider when addressing specific beliefs regarding what the underlying factors are, atheists/agnostics can sometimes talk past people in this respect. I agree with Richard Dawkins on the issue of 'child abuse' in the form of indoctrination and support his approach as a necessary consciousness raising tactic. Why do liberal believers like Madeline side step the 'factual' claims of their chosen religion? That is one thing I find difficult to understand.

330. Council pays psychic for exorcism

Comment #126720 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 3:13 am

I don't know so I seem to be sitting up here on my fence, an agnostic, if you will. Feel free to give me a push in either direction.

One does wonder. Although, considering paranormal activity has failed to be demonstrable under scientific conditions leaves no reason to believe it.

331. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126718 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 2:58 am

Farrowing fundamentalist forgets fun finding flippancy faithless.

332. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126716 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 2:50 am

Fickle fellow finds fundamental flaw for *fallacious flippancy (*credit - irate_atheist)

333. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126711 by LorienRyan on February 14, 2008 at 2:46 am

Foregoing formitable forewords for funny fantasies?

334. Curriculum for Baptist School

Comment #126662 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 8:14 pm

They forgot...

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Students will understand that worship of God is a gift from God because he is a self-promoting, egocentric tyrant... and if they don't believe it they will burn in hell.

That's it for our class today kids, sleep well.

335. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126660 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 8:01 pm

I think I just heard a firecracker go off in a tin can.

336. A Tyrannical Romance

Comment #126647 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 5:41 pm

Richard,

Just googled it - haha. You really do have a one tracked mind, my friend.

337. A Tyrannical Romance

Comment #126628 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 4:52 pm

I was thinking more along the lines of KFC.

Haha - original recipe or zinger?

338. A Tyrannical Romance

Comment #126606 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 4:22 pm

Wouldn't the female one be a Tyrannosaurus Regina?

Tyrannosaurusess? She wears to much red lipstick and oversized fake eyelashes, which she batters to attract the attention of the male.

339. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126576 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 3:15 pm

The only civilised ways to eat toast for breakfast (and it has to be wholegrain bread) is moderately toasted with butter, or with butter and a thick-cut orange marmalade. This can be eaten with a good yorkshire tea or (my favourite) mint tea.

Hope you had the Big Man's thumbs up for that :) Personally I'm a fan of Roses's Lime Marmalade.

340. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126572 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 2:57 pm

Best dietician in the universe.

341. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126570 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 2:53 pm

Why pray to God? Everyone knows the answer is cheesespread (Dairylea, of course). Yum.

Funnily enough it was the strawberry jam over the boiled eggs, no kidding!

342. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126567 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 2:48 pm

when they are pushing a shopping cart round wal mart and wondering if they should buy a green or red sweater can they not see the cataclismic difference of their mundane minute to minute decisions and their apparent (to them) cosmic importance.

A christian friend of mine, a lovely genuine guy, literally prays to God to decide what to have on his toast in the morning. He earnestly wants to do the right thing, God bless him. Even his fellow christian friends have urged him that this is a tad extreme. And in turn I urge them that the whole business is a tad extreme, oh what fun.

343. Council pays psychic for exorcism

Comment #126549 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 2:12 pm

At the end of the ordeal the council thanked Ms Hadwin and Scooby Doo for foiling the plot and when they unmasked the culprit it was the next door neighbours evil kid, it all ended with a cheesy joke and everyone laughed.

344. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126384 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 5:33 am

Just an aside, the threat of torture is a form of psychological torture and has been proven to be just as damaging as physical torture (lots of resources on google). Our christian friends use this technique everyday on their children and congregations through the doctrine of hell - the threat of eternal torture. While we should be concerned about the ethical issues of torture in the context of war, lets not forget that forms of psychological torture are being used in our neighbourhoods everyday.

345. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126354 by LorienRyan on February 13, 2008 at 3:53 am

Link about the problems of the effectiveness of torture:

http://www.psysr.org/tortureseminar.htm

346. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126296 by LorienRyan on February 12, 2008 at 10:45 pm

Styrer,

How very Dennett of you :)

347. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126289 by LorienRyan on February 12, 2008 at 9:52 pm

One thing that is worse than a troll is a troll that is more ignorant than a monkey.

348. Why Darwin matters

Comment #126286 by LorienRyan on February 12, 2008 at 9:40 pm

Diacanu,

already done

349. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126272 by LorienRyan on February 12, 2008 at 9:01 pm

bissu - "Action is equal and opposite to reaction."

All they did was draw a cartoon, an antagonistic cartoon yes, but an equal reaction would be to respond with a reply or another cartoon. Plotting murder is an overreaction, an obscene overreaction. Not only that, it is a direct attack on the cartoonists right to free speech and a direct attack on all of our right to speak freely about facets of religion, or any belief, that are inhumane. While your mollycoddling about their feelings they are getting away with murder, so speak up, speak freely, antagonize, and do not tolerate inhumane ACTS.

350. Murder plot against Danish cartoonist

Comment #126223 by LorienRyan on February 12, 2008 at 4:44 pm

octopus - thanks for the link.

Those cartoons were great!