Mapping the Conceptual Terrain

A recurring theme in philosophy is something like this: philosopher x proposes some properties that constitute concept C (more specifically I guess we'd say that the possession of said properties is individually necessary and jointly sufficient to constitute C).  Ahh yes, but philosopher y has an example that shows that our intuitions about C go further; philosopher x's account leaves something important out!

This came to mind while watching an episode of The Twilight Zone this evening. The inmate's robot has all the qualities that (we think) a mental life comprises: rationality, learning abilities, emotions, qualitative conscious experiences like perception, pain and hunger.  So does the robot have a mind?  Well, perhaps some will disqualify the robot on account of lacking a soul. Regardless, if you feel the chill at the conclusion of the episode, ask yourself why.

Wilson on Witch Trials

What do you think of the Salem Witch Trials from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

What have the Romans ever done for us?

How much we know about the brain....

Not as much as you might think!

Philosophers debate abortion

Good luck finding another debate on abortion this clear, friendly and free of ideological murkiness.

Don Marquis and Michael Tooley (from Philosophy TV)

William Lane Craig versus Sam Harris - Part 1 of 9

Eric Reitan lectures on his latest book

Dr. Eric Reitan author of "Is God a Delusion?" lectures at the University of Tulsa on September 22, 2009 from James P on Vimeo.

Searle on consciousness

John Cleese on Creativity

Random coolness

From an annual downhill bike race in Chile, known as the The Valparaiso Cerro Abajo Race. This helmet cam footage is amazing!

Science and Religion Debate (Craig, Plantinga vs Gale, Smith)

Plantinga on God's nature

Continuing with the Plantinga video kick...

Plantinga - Science and Religion: Where the Conflict Really Lies (at Biola)

Healthy churches are hypocrisy farms (Doug Wilson)

Healthy churches are hypocrisy farms from Canon Wired on Vimeo.

John Cleese spoof on reductionism

A Modal Argument for Dualism

Here is Plantinga's paper, "Against Materialism."

Debate Video: Does the Universe Have a Purpose?

It's probably an understatement to say that many people have been anxiously waiting to see William Lane Craig in a moderated debate with Richard Dawkins.  After all, many of the objections to the arguments Dawkins presents in his recent books are philosophical objections.  Well, this is probably about as good as it will get. I haven't watched yet, feel free to post thoughts if you do.

Richard Dawkins, Michael Shermer, and Matt Ridley v.s.William Lane Craig, Douglas Geivett, and Rabbi David Wolpe

A pastoral perspective on wise communication

I think this relates nicely to my ongoing series of blog posts on blogging and public discourse.