Letters to the Editor

God enough We should see the ceaseless creativity of nature as sacred, argues biologist Stuart Kauffman, despite what Richard Dawkins might say. By Steve Paulson [2008-11-19]

• Vocabulary question...

  In this context, doesn't epistemology mean just "arguing about the meaning of words"? How is this interesting? The part about consciousness was especially insipid. Let's see... even though reductionism has worked so far, and new tools are allowing us to understand more and more about brain function, we must accept that consciousness cannot be explained in this way, because it hasn't been done yet. And, also, quantum mechanics does not do away with causality, it includes probability with it. Now, the conjecture about quantum effects in the brain may or may not be valid, but that does not escape reductionism. See the ongoing research into quantum computing. (http://www.cs.caltech.edu/~westside/quantum-intro.html)

  Let's see...what hot-button have we not pressed recently...Tomorrow, an article exploring the angst of a woman who chose to abort the un-born puppies her pit bull was carrying due to the risk caused by hip displasia. She uses this to reconnect to her daughter after falling out over remarks criticizing Sarah Palin's imperfect, flat, white butt.

  -- rayinkorea
  [Read rayinkorea's other letters]
  Permalink Flag Tuesday, November 18, 2008 08:35 PM
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