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
Administrative Slowly being seduced by Portugal 22 Apr 2009 I gave my talk today on tree thinking at the local science museum for kids and the general public, which is amazingly popular. The Portuguese seem to hold science and knowledge in high esteem. Which is great. The Ciências Viva helped pay for my ticket, so I hope they liked… Read More
Ecology and Biodiversity What is “life”, again? 8 Sep 200718 Sep 2017 Now we turn to the modern accounts of life. In 1828, Friedrich Wöhler produced uric acid without using “kidney of man or dog”. Prior to that time, there was considered to be something different between organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry. Living things had some “vital fluid” that other things lacked…. Read More
Epistemology Notes on novelty 2: Historical considerations – before and after evolution 18 Dec 201122 Jun 2018 Notes on Novelty series:1. Introduction2. Historical considerations – before and after evolution3: The meaning of evolutionary novelty4: Examples – the beetle’s horns and the turtle’s shell5: Evolutionary radiations and individuation6: Levels of description7: Surprise! 8: Conclusion – Post evo-devo The roots of novelty in biology are very deep. They go back at least to Aristotle’s book… 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.