Off to the wilds of Oxfordshire 14 May 2010 So, tomorrow I fly to Oxford (well, to Heathrow, and bus to Oxford) to this conference on religion and toleration. It looks to be an interesting conference, and I am commenting on a paper by one of my favourite anthropologist/psychologists, Ara Norenzayan from UBC. It includes such luminaries as Amartya Sen, Robin Dunbar (he of the number), and Patricia Churchland, to name a few. I get to comment for 5 minutes, which makes the carbon footprint of each word I utter something inexpressible. Many thanks to Steve Clarke for the invite. I’m travelling with my daughter as a 21st birthday present, to show her that the world is larger than her country town home (I think she may know this). We’ll meander around the south of England for a few days after the conference before coming home. Administrative Evolution Philosophy Politics Religion AdministrativeEvolutionPhilosophy
Evolution When academics attack 5 Dec 2007 I love a good academic stoush, so long as I’m just watching and not involved either as an antagonist or as collateral damage. Recently, Steven Pinker published a book, The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature, which was subsequently reviewed by Patricia Churchland, in Nature. Unfortunately,… Read More
Philosophy My Absent Career 3: Education and the failure of explanations 7 Dec 20221 Jan 2023 One of the things that causes Aspies problems is that you have no independent idea of your own abilities. In my case, Neither my parents, nor my teachers, nor my friends, confirmed to me any intelligence on my part, and while I had the sneaking suspicion that were the aliens… Read More
Politics Religions, cults and wacos 11 Jul 201122 Jun 2018 Yes, I’m aware that it’s spelled “wacko” but when people start talking about cults, they often have in mind the insanity that led to the Waco compound disaster. The “Church” of Scientology has used a SLAPP suit to try to stop a “cult-rescue” group from characterising it as a cult…. Read More
Please blow the good people of Oxford West and Abingdon a fat raspberry from me for their appalling decision last Thursday.
Sounds like a good mix for a trip. Hope you both enjoy you’re time here. Was rather taken with the title of Dominic Johnston’s talk. An interesting question.
Ah, Dave. I’m assuming we’re on Stovold’s fourth variation here, given the circus opening? Central laterals counting double and Finsbury Park wild? Inner Ring Road.
Oh, dear! Has anyone warned the good folks of southern England about the impending beer shortage? Have a great time!
To mark the occasion, I will refrain from burning heretics for at least a week. International rules, appendix II. Hollywood/Vine
Thank Robin Dunbar from me for one of the best popular science books ever The Trouble With Science. Theydon Bois
When we were children flying was still special enough to merit a mention. I, 1965 I traveled to the UK via a transport ship—do they still exist? But now it would only be noteworthy if you traveled by ship or dirigible or sub-orbital something-or-other. So, yeah, you traveled to Oxford. I always visit Ely cathedral when I’m in the area, due to a passion for the history.