I recently downloaded a program called the Microsoft Worldwide Telescope. It contains 3 dimensional representations of some of our most recent data on the universe. As I glide over a random patch of Mars and watch the sun set, I remark to my 7 year old daughter that OUR eyes were likely the first in all the countless…

No.

I've never considered myself a hard core Trekkie. I don't go to conventions or collect memorabilia. I can't speak Klingon, nor have I memorized ship specifications. Nevertheless, I would lose my shit if one of the cast approached me on the street (original or reboot.) It would make my year. Truth be told, Star Trek…

Don't forget cephalopods and corvids. I believe that what we would constitute as sentience exists on a gradient. The inner lives of zebra fish may be more complex than pure instinct (perhaps not by much.)

It seemed rather Sagan-esk, but with the gloves off. I'm with you.

I can identify with you, Sisyphus. The people posting the stupid shit are usually family members. 'Like' this if you don't hate children and Jesus.

Simply awesome. "I have no objection if you wish to live in the woods. I intend to keep reaching for the stars."

The argument still stands. From the big bang onward, the universe can be described in comprehensive evolutionary terms. Our god-of-the-gaps occupies initial creation, and presumably the spark of life. From where do you calculate the odds of an omnipotent creator preceding all existence? Why is it that anything science…

It's so much more difficult to consider incremental changes in species over eons than to imagine an un-created super-being willing everything into existence. If you're going to exhibit a healthy skepticism, try and be consistent. Really WATCH a good wildlife documentary and notice the vast array of oddities in nature.…

Dude. Who the hell put a helpless amnesiac in the kitchen unattended?

I am well aware that the universe exists in independent of conscious entities. Living things provide a context.

Yes, I'm aware of that. I would tend to include all living this capable of hearing.

The argument from reason assumes that rationality cannot arise out of non-rationality. It also appears to be heavily dependent on the notion of free will. I cannot accept the premise. The hard problem of consciousness fails to impress. The assertion that there exists an un-created creator who is the seat of all…

It is the interaction of these pressure waves with our auditory sense that gave rise to the concept of 'sound' to begin with. It's inextricably tied to the presence of some living thing capable of interpreting mechanical radiant energy into useful information. In general, we only refer to those oscillations of…

Fuck, meet you. Fuck, you.

While I disagree with your conclusions on evolution and geological time scales, your comment seems perfectly reasonable. I would agree that if most Christians focused on the golden rule, life would be much better for all of us. Regarding science: How can you love something that you're forced to disregard when it…

@burnardreardon

Well you started it, Norma.

I would submit that you haven't ensouled the fetus until emergent properties within its brain allow for the presence of consciousness, which would of course exist on a gradient. You emerge into existence in perfect synchronicity with your biological counterpart, and are in fact indivisible. This is not a hostile…

That's not liberalism. I realize that conservatives get this guys apparent entitlement complex confused with 'we're in this together' liberal policy, but they're based on very different ideological tenets. Entirely beside the point is the fact that he's at least partly right. Should airlines allow the presence of…