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
Book My species definitions reader is accepted for publication 15 Aug 2007 I have a book forthcoming, Species definitions: a sourcebook from antiquity to today, which gives and commentates definitions of “species” in logic and biology for 2,500 years, from Plato to Templeton and beyond. It’s designed as a reader for scholars to see how the notion[s] have evolved separately in the… Read More
Australian stuff On preventive censorship versus punishment 2 Sep 2009 In the last few years, there has been an increasing tendency of so-called democratic governments to increase the amount of control they have over their population, under the guise of various “emergencies”: terrorism, child pornography and of course a slightly more honest concern over property rights. Just today, the Australian… Read More
Evolution Ontologies of biology 6 Nov 2008 I am keen to jot down whatever I can about the ontologies of biology – not just evolution, but also molecular, developmental, taxonomic, ecological and other domains of biology. I want to do this in a relatively systematic manner, so I would appreciate readers noting in the comments the sorts… 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.