discoveryinstitute--2020-03-20--Living Amid a Pandemic

Living Amid a Pandemic

It ’ s been a blissfully sunny week in Seattle — the kind of week Seattleites pine for after their gray and soggy winters .
The official start of spring isn ’ t until today , but the cherry blossoms have already been out for a long time .
Of course , it doesn ’ t really matter this year .
The crowds have been told to stay away from the cherry trees — and from everything else , for that matter .
The arrival of spring in 2020 isn ’ t bringing hope and a sense of new life @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Churches are shuttered to the public .
So are restaurants ( except for takeout ) .
So are movie theaters , barbershops , and gyms .
Grocery stores are still open , but their shelves are increasingly bare — not just of hand sanitizer and toilet paper ( those vanished days ago ) — but now of bleach , paper towels , and even meat and poultry .
Businesses struggle to operate .
Each new day brings increasingly draconian ( not to mention conflicting and confusing ) orders issued by multiple layers of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ acting in our best interests in the name of science .
The occasional tone-deafness of the bureaucrats might be amusing in a novel .
The CDC website patiently instructs people about how they can create their own disinfectant with bleach or rubbing alcohol .
It would be more helpful if the CDC explained how to actually acquire either liquid — since neither is readily available in stores .
Meanwhile , the current pandemic has further exposed the most obnoxious features of the American news media .
On the one hand , media outlets @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doomsday coverage .
On the other hand , when ordinary people actually take the doomsday coverage seriously , those same media outlets chide them for acting as if the doomsday reporting is correct and rushing to stores to stock up on disinfectants and food .
The tendency during any crisis is to become all-consumed by it .
That was true after 9/11 , and it is true now .
Obviously , if you are dealing with the illness of a loved one with COVID-19 , there is good reason to be consumed .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ destruction or have lost your job because of government-imposed shutdowns — shutdowns that may well be called for , but are nevertheless ruinous to many and even corrosive of a free society in some cases .
As the outbreak continues to unfold , it may get harder and harder to focus on anything besides the pandemic .
Nevertheless , we should resist the temptation to let it dominate our lives .
Anglo-Irish writer C.S .
Lewis ( 1898-1963 ) was no stranger to fears wrought by pandemics .
During his childhood in Belfast @ @ @ @ @ @ @ million people a year in Europe died from tuberculosis ( TB ) , making it “ one of the most feared diseases in the world.
” In Ireland itself , more than 11,000 people a year died from TB , many of them young people .
In fact , among youths aged 15 to 25 , a terrifying 55.4 percent of all deaths in Belfast were due to TB .
Years later , Lewis ’ s brother Warren still recalled the fear that permeated every upper middle class home in Belfast , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ infection .
His parents were especially concerned about allowing their sons to be exposed to the rain and damp , worrying that TB might develop as a result .
Then , as now , isolation reigned as a chief strategy for protection .
The Lewis brothers were quarantined inside their home whenever it rained — which , given the weather in Ireland , meant their confinement often seemed endless .
They were ordered inside at the first drops of rain , and then penned inside their nursery , with a gate put across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get out .
“ We spent an extraordinary amount of our time shut up indoors , ” remembered Warren .
“ We would gaze out of our nursery window at the slanting rain and the grey skies , and there , beyond a mile or so of sodden meadow , we would see the dim high line of the Castlereagh Hills — our world ’ s limit , a distant land , strange and unattainable.
” ( W.H .
Lewis , “ Memoir of C.S .
Lewis , ” published in Letters of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two active children to tolerate , the confinement was not wasted .
Indeed , according to Warren Lewis , it bequeathed a long-term legacy : [ T ] his recurring imprisonment gave us occasion and stimulus to develop the habit of creative imagination .
We learnt to draw : my brother made his first attempts at writing : together we devised the imaginary country of “ Boxen , ” which proliferated hugely and became our solace and joy for many years to come .
And so , in circumstances that might have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s gifts began to develop ; and it may not be fanciful to see , in that childhood staring out to unattainable hills , some first beginnings of a vision and viewpoint that ran through the work of his maturity .
There are other terrors beside pandemics , of course , and C.S .
Lewis experienced some of them as well .
Like many young men of his era , he served — and was wounded — on the hellish front lines of World War I .
Two decades later , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world war — this time against Hitler ’ s Germany .
As the Nazis swept over Europe and the grim new reality began to set in , many likely wondered what the use of learning was at a time like that .
Shouldn ’ t everyone focus instead on the war effort 24/7 ?
A few weeks after the war started , Lewis sought to answer this question in a sermon that was later published as “ Learning in War-Time.
” His advice seems eerily applicable to our own situation , just substitute @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : I think it important to try to see the present calamity in a true perspective .
The war creates no absolutely new situation ; it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it .
Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice .
Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself .
If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure , the search would never have begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ war with “ normal life.
” Life has never been normal .
Even those periods which we think most tranquil , like the nineteenth century , turn out , on closer inspection , to be full of crises , alarms , difficulties , emergencies .
Plausible reasons have never been lacking for putting off all merely cultural activities until some imminent danger has been averted or some crying injustice put right .
But humanity long ago chose to neglect those plausible reasons .
They wanted knowledge and beauty now , and would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ comes .
C.S .
Lewis , “ Learning in War-Time , ” in The Weight of Glory In coming days , you and your loved ones may struggle with fear and anxiety and worry .
You may also find yourselves with more time on your hands than you know what to do with .
Make the most of the opportunity .
Learn a new skill .
Read good books .
Watch inspiring films .
Reconnect with your family by having discussions about things that matter .
Above all , remember the wise admonition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure , the search would never have begun.
” Author ’ s note : The description of Warren Lewis ’ s recollections about the fear of TB in the Lewis household is based on unpublished passages in W.H .
Lewis , “ C.S Lewis : A Biography , ” a manuscript on deposit at the Marion Wade Center , Wheaton College .

“Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice.” C.S. Lewis
It’s been a blissfully sunny week in Seattle — the kind of week Seattleites pine for after their gray and soggy winters. The official start of spring isn’t until today, but the cherry blossoms have already been out for a long time.
Of course, it doesn’t really matter this year.
The crowds have been told to stay away from the cherry trees — and from everything else, for that matter. The arrival of spring in 2020 isn’t bringing hope and a sense of new life. It’s bringing fear.
Draconian and Confusing
Churches are shuttered to the public. So are restaurants (except for takeout). So are movie theaters, barbershops, and gyms. Grocery stores are still open, but their shelves are increasingly bare — not just of hand sanitizer and toilet paper (those vanished days ago) — but now of bleach, paper towels, and even meat and poultry. Businesses struggle to operate. Each new day brings increasingly draconian (not to mention conflicting and confusing) orders issued by multiple layers of bureaucracy — all assuring us they are acting in our best interests in the name of science. The occasional tone-deafness of the bureaucrats might be amusing in a novel. The CDC website patiently instructs people about how they can create their own disinfectant with bleach or rubbing alcohol. It would be more helpful if the CDC explained how to actually acquire either liquid — since neither is readily available in stores.
Meanwhile, the current pandemic has further exposed the most obnoxious features of the American news media. On the one hand, media outlets fan the flames of fear with their doomsday coverage. On the other hand, when ordinary people actually take the doomsday coverage seriously, those same media outlets chide them for acting as if the doomsday reporting is correct and rushing to stores to stock up on disinfectants and food.
The tendency during any crisis is to become all-consumed by it. That was true after 9/11, and it is true now. Obviously, if you are dealing with the illness of a loved one with COVID-19, there is good reason to be consumed. So too if you are facing financial destruction or have lost your job because of government-imposed shutdowns — shutdowns that may well be called for, but are nevertheless ruinous to many and even corrosive of a free society in some cases.
Resisting a Temptation to Obsess
As the outbreak continues to unfold, it may get harder and harder to focus on anything besides the pandemic. Nevertheless, we should resist the temptation to let it dominate our lives.
Anglo-Irish writer C.S. Lewis (1898-1963) was no stranger to fears wrought by pandemics. During his childhood in Belfast, Northern Ireland, more than a million people a year in Europe died from tuberculosis (TB), making it “one of the most feared diseases in the world.” In Ireland itself, more than 11,000 people a year died from TB, many of them young people. In fact, among youths aged 15 to 25, a terrifying 55.4 percent of all deaths in Belfast were due to TB. Years later, Lewis’s brother Warren still recalled the fear that permeated every upper middle class home in Belfast, and the elaborate measures people took to prevent infection. His parents were especially concerned about allowing their sons to be exposed to the rain and damp, worrying that TB might develop as a result.
Then, as now, isolation reigned as a chief strategy for protection. The Lewis brothers were quarantined inside their home whenever it rained — which, given the weather in Ireland, meant their confinement often seemed endless. They were ordered inside at the first drops of rain, and then penned inside their nursery, with a gate put across the door so they couldn’t get out. “We spent an extraordinary amount of our time shut up indoors,” remembered Warren. “We would gaze out of our nursery window at the slanting rain and the grey skies, and there, beyond a mile or so of sodden meadow, we would see the dim high line of the Castlereagh Hills — our world’s limit, a distant land, strange and unattainable.” (W.H. Lewis, “Memoir of C.S. Lewis,” published in Letters of C.S. Lewis)
Legacy of a Confinement
Although difficult for two active children to tolerate, the confinement was not wasted. Indeed, according to Warren Lewis, it bequeathed a long-term legacy:
[T]his recurring imprisonment gave us occasion and stimulus to develop the habit of creative imagination. We learnt to draw: my brother made his first attempts at writing: together we devised the imaginary country of “Boxen,” which proliferated hugely and became our solace and joy for many years to come. And so, in circumstances that might have been merely dull and depressing, my brother’s gifts began to develop; and it may not be fanciful to see, in that childhood staring out to unattainable hills, some first beginnings of a vision and viewpoint that ran through the work of his maturity. W.H. Lewis, “Memoir of C.S. Lewis”
There are other terrors beside pandemics, of course, and C.S. Lewis experienced some of them as well. Like many young men of his era, he served — and was wounded — on the hellish front lines of World War I. Two decades later, as an Oxford academic, he faced another world war — this time against Hitler’s Germany.
As the Nazis swept over Europe and the grim new reality began to set in, many likely wondered what the use of learning was at a time like that. Shouldn’t everyone focus instead on the war effort 24/7? A few weeks after the war started, Lewis sought to answer this question in a sermon that was later published as “Learning in War-Time.”
Substitute “Pandemic” for “War”
His advice seems eerily applicable to our own situation, just substitute “pandemic” for “war”:
I think it important to try to see the present calamity in a true perspective. The war creates no absolutely new situation; it simply aggravates the permanent human situation so that we can no longer ignore it. Human life has always been lived on the edge of a precipice. Human culture has always had to exist under the shadow of something infinitely more important than itself. If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun. We are mistaken when we compare war with “normal life.” Life has never been normal. Even those periods which we think most tranquil, like the nineteenth century, turn out, on closer inspection, to be full of crises, alarms, difficulties, emergencies. Plausible reasons have never been lacking for putting off all merely cultural activities until some imminent danger has been averted or some crying injustice put right. But humanity long ago chose to neglect those plausible reasons. They wanted knowledge and beauty now, and would not wait for the suitable moment that never comes. C.S. Lewis, “Learning in War-Time,” in The Weight of Glory
In coming days, you and your loved ones may struggle with fear and anxiety and worry. You may also find yourselves with more time on your hands than you know what to do with.
Make the most of the opportunity.
Learn a new skill. Read good books. Watch inspiring films. Reconnect with your family by having discussions about things that matter.
Above all, remember the wise admonition of C.S. Lewis: “If men had postponed the search for knowledge and beauty until they were secure, the search would never have begun.”
Author’s note: The description of Warren Lewis’s recollections about the fear of TB in the Lewis household is based on unpublished passages in W.H. Lewis, “C.S Lewis: A Biography,” a manuscript on deposit at the Marion Wade Center, Wheaton College.


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-20--No to “Quality of Life” Coronavirus Healthcare Rationing

I write in National Review this morning on the latest push to make euthanasia lawful : If you want to see what may soon go wrong in public policy , just read the professional literature .
Bioethics journals are particularly illuminating in this regard because many of the leading voices in the field long ago discarded the sanctity/equality of life for the utilitarianish “ quality of life ” ethic , which grants higher value to some over others based on invidious distinctions such as disability , age , and health .
An advocacy article in the current Clinical Ethics provides @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Counting the Cost of Denying Assisted Dying , ” an academic bioethicist and a business management professor support legalizing euthanasia… You ’ ll have to read the full piece to understand the complete “ why ” behind this push .
I underscore that “ the authors hope to persuade us that society has a utilitarian stake in allowing the sick , the mentally ill , the elderly , and people with disabilities to be killed.
” As with so many attacks on human dignity and human rights , the activists pushing here @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it to be a legal option— ” safe , legal , and rare ” , if you will—but rather the logic behind the push seeks a broad social acceptance of euthanasia as if it were a positive social good .
“ This advocacy , ” I note , “ is both immoral and amoral .
It creates a disposable caste of people and reduces the sick and suicidal to mere beans for the counters to enter on spreadsheets.
” We must do better .

Joe Biden has announced the creation of a “Public Health Advisory Committee,” consisting of Democratic experts to advise him about how to best grapple with the coronavirus during the campaign. The bioethicist Ezekiel Emanuel — the most famous person on the committee — made headlines a


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-17--We Will Never Go Back to the Pre-COVID-19 Workplace

A friend tells me “ I feel like my entire life has prepared me for this quarantine .
I have a white claw variety pack , every streaming service available , and the new Animal Crossing game is being delivered on Friday.
” While many people ( myself included ) have railed against the excesses of technology and its tendency to weaken community spirit and understanding , it turns out that , in the present crisis , it is having the opposite effect .
We are all stuck in our houses for the next several weeks .
However , thanks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ aren ’ t really alone in the same way any more .
If you are stranded or separated or otherwise disconnected from your friends and family , you don ’ t have to lose touch any more .
At one time , “ quarantine ” meant having limited personal contact with the world .
Today , it leaves you alone with the best information delivery system ever conceived .
While many schools are closed for the time being , many others are moving online .
For example , our homeschooling co-op has decided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or another service .
I am helping move a large convention from in-person attendance to online attendance .
Over the last decade , the IT profession has already gravitated to online presence .
At the companies I work for , Slack addresses immediate communication , Zoom addresses coordinated communication , and I can handle most tasks via individual computer from my house .
I can write books , trade stocks , manage projects , answer questions , do my taxes , pay my bills , get an education , and keep up @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chair .
I ’ m not unusual ; a large segment of our population now works this way .
Staying together apart has never been so easy .
Going forward , COVID-19 is going to change the way companies do business altogether .
It ’ s one thing for a company to stubbornly resist a digital workstyle when nothing is at stake .
It ’ s something else entirely to switch to it for several months as the price of survival and then choose to go back .
I doubt that many will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ paid off in spades , in a way that probably no one expected .
It will allow us work peacefully and productively at home .
We will still have to figure out how to balance our digital and analog lives when the crisis is over .
At least that part ’ s not urgent .
It ’ s just part of our ongoing lives .
COVID-19 : Do quarantine rules apply to mega-geniuses ?
How did Elon Musk , who has a cozy relationship with China , get his upscale car factory classified @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
If we are going to hold some people up as business icons , why should it be those who—in the present COVID-19 troubles—have relations with China that necessarily raise question

A friend tells me “I feel like my entire life has prepared me for this quarantine. I have a white claw variety pack, every streaming service available, and the new Animal Crossing game is being delivered on Friday.”
While many people (myself included) have railed against the excesses of technology and its tendency to weaken community spirit and understanding, it turns out that, in the present crisis, it is having the opposite effect. We are all stuck in our houses for the next several weeks. However, thanks to our new digital infrastructure, we aren’t really alone in the same way any more.
If you are stranded or separated or otherwise disconnected from your friends and family, you don’t have to lose touch any more. At one time, “quarantine” meant having limited personal contact with the world. Today, it leaves you alone with the best information delivery system ever conceived.
While many schools are closed for the time being, many others are moving online. For example, our homeschooling co-op has decided to meet online via Zoom, Chime, or another service. I am helping move a large convention from in-person attendance to online attendance.
Over the last decade, the IT profession has already gravitated to online presence. At the companies I work for, Slack addresses immediate communication, Zoom addresses coordinated communication, and I can handle most tasks via individual computer from my house. I can write books, trade stocks, manage projects, answer questions, do my taxes, pay my bills, get an education, and keep up with family and friends without leaving my chair.
I’m not unusual; a large segment of our population now works this way. Staying together apart has never been so easy.
Going forward, COVID-19 is going to change the way companies do business altogether. It’s one thing for a company to stubbornly resist a digital workstyle when nothing is at stake. It’s something else entirely to switch to it for several months as the price of survival and then choose to go back. I doubt that many will.
Our investment in technology infrastructure has paid off in spades, in a way that probably no one expected. It will allow us work peacefully and productively at home.
We will still have to figure out how to balance our digital and analog lives when the crisis is over. At least that part’s not urgent. It’s just part of our ongoing lives.
Also by Jonathan Bartlett:
COVID-19: Do quarantine rules apply to mega-geniuses? How did Elon Musk, who has a cozy relationship with China, get his upscale car factory classified as an essential business during the pandemic? If we are going to hold some people up as business icons, why should it be those who—in the present COVID-19 troubles—have relations with China that necessarily raise question


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-23--Baruch Spinoza Was No Science Hero

Baruch Spinoza Was No Science Hero

The third season of Cosmos has released four episodes so far , with more to come this Monday , on Fox and the National Geographic channel .
Evolution News has commented already , here , here , here , and here .
After watching these episodes , I have concluded that the most consequential historical error to correct as yet concerns the treatment of Spinoza in episode one .
The series designates Baruch Spinoza ( 1632-1677 ) as the next greatest persecuted hero of science after Giordano Bruno ( as depicted in Cosmos 2.0 ; see my video discussion , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a Martyr , Yes , but Not for Science ” ) .
Although Bruno was burned to death in 1600 for his religious ( not scientific ) views , the attempted murder of Spinoza , if it occurred , was likely due to a disputed business transaction ( not science or religion ) .
For Cosmos to suggest that Spinoza ’ s life was threatened because of science is just the beginning of an enormous misrepresentation .
Like the heretical Catholic philosopher Bruno , Spinoza traded belief in the biblical God for a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God ” had no choice in creation , and an infinite cosmos resulted .
Consequently both had philosophical reasons for believing in an infinite number of inhabited worlds .
There was , and still is , no scientific support for the idea of an infinite cosmos .
Science is not well equipped even to address this kind of question .
In Cosmos , Neil deGrasse Tyson equates traditional religion with ignorance , especially the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity .
Spinoza was a wayward Jew whom Albert Einstein , a secular Jew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depicts this connection with film footage of Einstein visiting the Spinoza museum .
Indeed , Einstein publicly confessed his faith in “ Spinoza ’ s God.
” Spinoza ’ s God was nature , or some aspect of it .
( Scholars debate how to interpret his ambiguous views . )
“ From the necessity of the divine nature there must follow infinitely many things in infinitely many modes , ” Spinoza wrote .
Nature could not have been other that what it is .
This necessitarian vision , which traces back to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ view that the Judeo-Christian tradition overcame .
This transformation was one of the key ingredients for a cultural context conducive to modern science ( as I explain in another video , “ Three Big Ways Christianity Supported the Rise of Modern Science ” ) .
Consequently Cosmos 3.0 celebrates as a science hero a philosopher who opposed the very Judeo-Christian cultural context that helped make modern science possible .
Oops !
The Christian belief in divine freedom undercut the view , established by Plato and Aristotle , that the structure of the cosmos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that God could have created a universe quite different from ours , and so testing multiple hypotheses by experiment was an effective way to determine which set of natural laws God actually created to govern our cosmos .
So in his departure from theism , Spinoza undercut some of this science-fostering culture .
Let ’ s go deeper as to why Spinoza was no science hero .
Scholarship on Spinoza in the last decade has increasingly recognized that he opposed the observational ( empirical ) and mathematical analyses of nature advanced by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ Skepticism about the very possibility of empirical knowledge of nature runs through Spinoza ’ s books , ” notes Eric Schliesser in The Oxford Handbook of Spinoza .
More specifically , “ Spinoza was very critical of applying mathematics and measurement in understanding nature.
” That ’ s even more damaging !
Similarly , Alison Peterman , in “ Spinoza on Physical Science , ” Philosophy Compass ( 2014 ) , writes : “ Spinoza took a dim view of the extent to which the application of mathematics to physics and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ give us knowledge of nature.
” Here is one memorable expression of Spinoza ’ s criticism of the application of mathematics to science : “ There are men lunatic enough to believe , that even God himself takes pleasure in harmony ; indeed there are philosophers who have persuaded themselves that the motions of the heavens produce a harmony.
” Spinoza attacked the view of Johannes Kepler and Christiaan Huygens ( the leading Dutch scientist and a Spinoza acquaintance , also highlighted in Cosmos 3.0 ) that God infused mathematical harmonies into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a projection of mathematical harmony and beauty in nature where none exists , Spinoza insisted .
Fortunately astronomy textbook authors over the past four centuries ignored Spinoza ’ s attack on Kepler and instead affirmed Kepler ’ s third mathematical law of planetary motion , also called the “ harmonic law.
” Christianity has a long and remarkable track record of contributing to the foundations of science .
Saint Augustine ( 354–430 ) expressed confidence in our ability to discover and read the “ book of nature ” because it is the “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that we should proceed “ by most certain reasoning or experience ” to discern the most likely way that God established “ the nature of things ” — a popular medieval book title for works that emulated Augustine ’ s investigative approach to the natural world .
Galileo and many other early modern scientists used this traditional Christian metaphor of the “ book of nature.
” They sought to convey the idea that God wrote two books that are consistent with one another : nature and the Bible .
Nature is largely written @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of these scientists argued , and so it can be read only by those who know this language .
Galileo argued as much in his book The Assayer ( 1623 ) .
He wrote : “ Philosophy [ natural science ] is written in this all-encompassing book that is constantly open before our eyes , that is the universe ; but it can not be understood unless one first learns to understand the language and knows the characters in which it is written .
It is written in mathematical language.
” ( The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Essential Galileo , p. 183 ) Consider also these three remarkable utterances of Kepler similarly affirming the theological foundations of science .
Kepler wrote in a letter to Michael Maestlin , on October 3 , 1595 : In a letter to Galileo , in 1610 : Here is how I explain the significance of these Keplerian sayings in my book Unbelievable : 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion , which tells the true story of science and God that Tyson tries to suppress with atheistic mythology : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ extraterrestrial life to be consistent with the Bible , even though Scripture does not specifically address this issue .
This leads me to identify a related historical error about science and religion in Cosmos 3.0 .
Tyson suggests that there was a “ contradiction ” between biblical faith and science given that the Bible does not mention extraterrestrial life ( which Tyson thinks is established by science ) .
There are countless aspects of the universe that the Bible does not address , but that does not make scientific theories about such topics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was simply not within the communicative intent of the Bible to address whether there are other inhabited worlds .
Leading scientists such as Galileo , Kepler , Huygens , Descartes , and Newton understood this about the Bible and science .
For example , after affirming that Christ ’ s sacrifice on the cross had redeemed many humans , René Descartes ( whom Spinoza carefully studied ) remarked : Tyson ’ s alleged “ contradiction ” between Christianity and extraterrestrial life ignores centuries of often-friendly dialogue among theologians and scientists about @ @ @ @ @ @ @ theme of my booktoo ) .
So it is not true , as Tyson asserts , that there was “ only one man , ” Spinoza , who “ dared to address ” such questions in the 17th century .
Such hero worship is laughable to professional historians of science .
Furthermore , Tyson attributes to Spinoza a view of nature that he makes sound daringly novel : “ His sacred text , ” he says of Spinoza , was “ the book of nature.
” But for most early modern scientists there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and nature .
By turning his back on the former , Spinoza undermined some of the theological foundations for the scientific study of the latter .
That ’ s tragic , not heroic .

The third season of Cosmos has released four episodes so far, with more to come this Monday, on Fox and the National Geographic channel. Evolution News has commented already, here, here, here, and here. After watching these episodes, I have concluded that the most consequential historical error to correct as yet concerns the treatment of Spinoza in episode one. The series designates Baruch Spinoza (1632-1677) as the next greatest persecuted hero of science after Giordano Bruno (as depicted in Cosmos 2.0; see my video discussion, “Unbelievable Mythbusting: Giordano Bruno Was a Martyr, Yes, but Not for Science”). Although Bruno was burned to death in 1600 for his religious (not scientific) views, the attempted murder of Spinoza, if it occurred, was likely due to a disputed business transaction (not science or religion). For Cosmos to suggest that Spinoza’s life was threatened because of science is just the beginning of an enormous misrepresentation.
Like the heretical Catholic philosopher Bruno, Spinoza traded belief in the biblical God for a necessitarian philosophical creed. Both believed “God” had no choice in creation, and an infinite cosmos resulted. Consequently both had philosophical reasons for believing in an infinite number of inhabited worlds. There was, and still is, no scientific support for the idea of an infinite cosmos. Science is not well equipped even to address this kind of question.
In Cosmos, Neil deGrasse Tyson equates traditional religion with ignorance, especially the biblical religions of Judaism and Christianity. Spinoza was a wayward Jew whom Albert Einstein, a secular Jew, later celebrated as likeminded. Cosmos depicts this connection with film footage of Einstein visiting the Spinoza museum. Indeed, Einstein publicly confessed his faith in “Spinoza’s God.”
Spinoza’s God
Spinoza’s God was nature, or some aspect of it. (Scholars debate how to interpret his ambiguous views.) “From the necessity of the divine nature there must follow infinitely many things in infinitely many modes,” Spinoza wrote. Nature could not have been other that what it is.
This necessitarian vision, which traces back to the ancient Greeks, is precisely the view that the Judeo-Christian tradition overcame. This transformation was one of the key ingredients for a cultural context conducive to modern science (as I explain in another video, “Three Big Ways Christianity Supported the Rise of Modern Science”). Consequently Cosmos 3.0 celebrates as a science hero a philosopher who opposed the very Judeo-Christian cultural context that helped make modern science possible. Oops!
Spinoza’s God vs. Science
The Christian belief in divine freedom undercut the view, established by Plato and Aristotle, that the structure of the cosmos is a necessary one. Christians insisted that God could have created a universe quite different from ours, and so testing multiple hypotheses by experiment was an effective way to determine which set of natural laws God actually created to govern our cosmos. So in his departure from theism, Spinoza undercut some of this science-fostering culture.
Let’s go deeper as to why Spinoza was no science hero. Scholarship on Spinoza in the last decade has increasingly recognized that he opposed the observational (empirical) and mathematical analyses of nature advanced by the likes of Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. “Skepticism about the very possibility of empirical knowledge of nature runs through Spinoza’s books,” notes Eric Schliesser in The Oxford Handbook of Spinoza. More specifically, “Spinoza was very critical of applying mathematics and measurement in understanding nature.” That’s even more damaging! Similarly, Alison Peterman, in “Spinoza on Physical Science,” Philosophy Compass (2014), writes: “Spinoza took a dim view of the extent to which the application of mathematics to physics and the empirical investigation of the physical can give us knowledge of nature.”
Here is one memorable expression of Spinoza’s criticism of the application of mathematics to science: “There are men lunatic enough to believe, that even God himself takes pleasure in harmony; indeed there are philosophers who have persuaded themselves that the motions of the heavens produce a harmony.” Spinoza attacked the view of Johannes Kepler and Christiaan Huygens (the leading Dutch scientist and a Spinoza acquaintance, also highlighted in Cosmos 3.0) that God infused mathematical harmonies into the fabric of the cosmos. This is a projection of mathematical harmony and beauty in nature where none exists, Spinoza insisted. Fortunately astronomy textbook authors over the past four centuries ignored Spinoza’s attack on Kepler and instead affirmed Kepler’s third mathematical law of planetary motion, also called the “harmonic law.”
The Book of Nature
Christianity has a long and remarkable track record of contributing to the foundations of science. Saint Augustine (354–430) expressed confidence in our ability to discover and read the “book of nature” because it is the “production of the Creator.” He insisted that we should proceed “by most certain reasoning or experience” to discern the most likely way that God established “the nature of things” — a popular medieval book title for works that emulated Augustine’s investigative approach to the natural world.
Galileo and many other early modern scientists used this traditional Christian metaphor of the “book of nature.” They sought to convey the idea that God wrote two books that are consistent with one another: nature and the Bible. Nature is largely written in the language of mathematics, many of these scientists argued, and so it can be read only by those who know this language. Galileo argued as much in his book The Assayer (1623). He wrote: “Philosophy [natural science] is written in this all-encompassing book that is constantly open before our eyes, that is the universe; but it cannot be understood unless one first learns to understand the language and knows the characters in which it is written. It is written in mathematical language.” (The Assayer, as translated in Finocchiaro, The Essential Galileo, p. 183)
Consider also these three remarkable utterances of Kepler similarly affirming the theological foundations of science. Kepler wrote in a letter to Michael Maestlin, on October 3, 1595:
I am eager to publish (my observations) soon, not in my interest, dear teacher…. I strive to publish them in God’s honor who wishes to be recognized from the book of nature…. I had the intention of becoming a theologian. For a long time I was restless: but now see how God is, by my endeavors, also glorified in astronomy.
In a letter to Herwart von Hohenburg, April 9-10, 1599:
God wanted us to recognize them [i.e., mathematical natural laws] by creating us after his own image so that we could share in his own thoughts.
In a letter to Galileo, in 1610:
Geometry is unique and eternal, and it shines in the mind of God. The share of it which has been granted to man is one of the reasons why he is in the image of God.
Here is how I explain the significance of these Keplerian sayings in my book Unbelievable: 7 Myths About the History and Future of Science and Religion, which tells the true story of science and God that Tyson tries to suppress with atheistic mythology:
Kepler was a devout Christian who believed that the Bible and the “book of nature” were fully compatible and mutually supportive. He recognized them both as God’s revelation. He studied both intensely. In fact, he almost finished a doctoral degree in theology before he turned to a career in mathematics and astronomy. Kepler believed that mathematical ideas exist eternally in the divine mind and that God freely selected some of these principles to govern his creation. Because God created humans in his image, we have the intelligence needed to discover those natural laws, and in so doing, Kepler announced, we “share in his own thoughts.” The human mind emulates God’s thoughts in ways that reveal the deep structure of the cosmos. Thus God is “glorified in astronomy,” Kepler concluded.
The Bible and Aliens
Kepler also considered the existence of intelligent extraterrestrial life to be consistent with the Bible, even though Scripture does not specifically address this issue. This leads me to identify a related historical error about science and religion in Cosmos 3.0. Tyson suggests that there was a “contradiction” between biblical faith and science given that the Bible does not mention extraterrestrial life (which Tyson thinks is established by science). There are countless aspects of the universe that the Bible does not address, but that does not make scientific theories about such topics in “contradiction” to the Bible. It was simply not within the communicative intent of the Bible to address whether there are other inhabited worlds. Leading scientists such as Galileo, Kepler, Huygens, Descartes, and Newton understood this about the Bible and science.
For example, after affirming that Christ’s sacrifice on the cross had redeemed many humans, René Descartes (whom Spinoza carefully studied) remarked:
I do not see at all that the mystery of the Incarnation, and all the other advantages that God has brought forth for man obstruct him from having brought forth an infinity of other great advantages for an infinity of other creatures. And although I do not at all infer from this that there would be intelligent creatures in the stars or elsewhere, I do not see that there would be any reason by which to prove that there were not; but I always leave undecided questions of this kind rather than denying or affirming anything. Michael J. Crowe, The Extraterrestrial Life Debate, Antiquity to 1915: A Source Book (2008), p. 67
Tyson’s alleged “contradiction” between Christianity and extraterrestrial life ignores centuries of often-friendly dialogue among theologians and scientists about this topic (which is a major theme of my booktoo). So it is not true, as Tyson asserts, that there was “only one man,” Spinoza, who “dared to address” such questions in the 17th century. Such hero worship is laughable to professional historians of science.
Furthermore, Tyson attributes to Spinoza a view of nature that he makes sound daringly novel: “His sacred text,” he says of Spinoza, was “the book of nature.” But for most early modern scientists there were two sacred texts: the Bible and nature. By turning his back on the former, Spinoza undermined some of the theological foundations for the scientific study of the latter. That’s tragic, not heroic.


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-21--Shelter in Place? Your Sci-Fi Video Game Binge List

Last week we took a look at some of my recommendations for the best sci-fi apocalypses around , especially if you are stuck indoors waiting out the much less spectacular COVID-19 .
Similar lists and movie recommendations came pouring through my Google News feed last week so let ’ s keep going with the flow .
A friend tells me that an influx of sci-fi gamers have been quarantined ( lockdown , quarantine , self-quarantine , shelter in place , whatever ) To the rescue with a new list !
Has your ISP lifted bandwidth limits in your area due @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
Great news for gamers too !
Here ’ s my list of top-notch sci-fi apocalypse games .
Note that I am not ranking them or claiming the list is comprehensive .
But I believe that these games are worth your time .
Note that most video games can be watched as a cinematic on YouTube .
So , if you ’ re interested in a great story , but not too excited about slashing through the gameplay , I ’ ve got you covered too .
1.The Last of Us ( 2013 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ post-pandemic world , Joel and Ellie , brought together by desperate circumstances , must rely on each other to survive a brutal journey across what remains of the United States.
” ( IMDB ) Yes , this title was on my previous list , and for good reason .
The Last of Us is one of the best and most unique pieces of zombie sci-fi , not an overstatement .
The story concept for how people become infected is intriguing and one that I ’ m surprised I ’ ve not seen more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : 2 .
Fallout ( except Fallout 76 ) ( 1997ff ) Rather than put every single Fallout favorite on this list , I am grouping them all together .
Beginning with Fallout 3 ( 2008 ) ( “ a faction of technologically advanced pro-human soldiers who survived the nuclear holocaust , becomes engaged in a desperate war ” ) I would also highly recommend Fallout New Vegas ( 2010 ) and Fallout 4 ( 2015 ) .
With all the disappointments and poor quality coming from Bethesda in recent years , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ used to be a ground-breaking game developer .
I will never forget blowing up a nuke in Fallout 3 on my laptop as I sat in history class pretending to take notes on the lineage of British kings in the 10th century .
While the games are not based on the sort of apocalypse that conjures up zombies , the post-apocalyptic landscapes are absolutely something to be explored .
I poured endless nights into wandering through the wasteland and exploring the unique stories it had to tell .
Fallout 3 Cinematic : Also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and Fallout 4 ( Cinematic ) 3.The Walking Dead ( 2012 ) ( “ In a world devastated by the undead , a convicted criminal is given a second chance at life when he comes across a little girl named Clementine.
” ) Okay , I will admit .
I never actually finished playing through the entire series .
I have , however , played through enough to know that this game needs to be on this list .
This five-part series is based on the acclaimed work by Robert Kirkman ( the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is also based on his work ) .
If you ’ re a fan of intensely captivating stories , I would highly recommend giving this one a playthrough .
Cinematic : 4.The Metro trilogy .
It includes Metro 2033 ( 2010 ) , Metro : Last Light ( 2013 ) , and Metro Exodus ( 2019 ) .
The series , like Fallout , is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by nuclear war .
With a world full of mutated creatures , and an uncertain presence known as The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ underappreciated heavyweight when it comes to fantastic video game sci-fi .
This is one story I know will have you going back for more .
Cinematic : Now I know what you ’ re thinking , “ but what about State of Decay ( 2013 ) ?
?
?
” Well , there is a ton of great sci-fi post-apocalyptic games out there .
These are merely the ones I ’ ve played and highly recommend for those who enjoy deeply compelling story driven gameplay .
I hope this list serves someone ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into an otherwise anxious world .
Stay safe , and stay healthy .
Also , wash your hands !
Last week ’ s “ wait out COVID-19″ binge : How sci-fi treats pandemics Five sci-fi apocalypses to help you wait out COVID-19 One thing for sure , all those doomsday preppers , at whom we silently rolled our eyes years ago , are now crackin ’ a secret smile .
Never mind , us sci-fi buffs are going to need more than fizzy water and disinfectant .
We need food for the mind @ @ @ @ @ @ @ list , to keep our minds occupied .
Still stuck indoors and viewing the world through the silver screen ?
Here are some of Adam Nieri ’ s other recommendations and reflections , brought to you by Mind Matters News Sci-Fi Saturday : 2019 ’ s Best and Worst Sci-Fi TV : 2019 featured many sci-fi television and movies that were less sci-fi than political narrative .
In 2019 , I fell out with Netflix .
I felt bombarded by more and more edgy content , as though Netflix wanted me to know @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rather than producing a few amazing originals , Netflix started vomiting up a ton of terrible originals .
Ad Astra : The Great Silence becomes personal .
The film images the fate of those who seek significance in the stars and may well wait indefinitely .
In a world where the divine touch of extraterrestrial intelligence doesn ’ t elevate human existence to any level of significance , we are left with Ad Astra : a slow , methodical decay of human significance .
Alita , Battle Angel A Mind Matters Review : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by the flop of Ghost , I would highly recommend Alita .
Another Life All fun and games till an AI falls in love .
Then it descends into a convoluted drift of uncertain storytelling .
And the victim is not primarily the viewer , who has other options .
The victim is the art itself .
Dirty Machines : Short time travel flick exceeds expectations A Mind Matters Short Film Review : A tense soundtrack , intriguing ending , and thoughtful stylistic choices make Dirty Machines : The End of History a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Now , if the director can just resist the temptation to get woke… The Expanse : A Mind Matters TV Series ReviewThe attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of space set it apart from run-of-the-mill sci-fi .
I love the deep mystery surrounding the show ’ s central narrative device , the proto-molecule .
It is somewhat sentient and is desperately trying to figure out what happened to the civilization that created it and was then wiped out while it lay dormant in our solar system for millions of years .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Best So Far ?
A Mind Matters Perspective : Unlike critic Zac Giaimo , I preferred Season 3 but it really depends on what you are looking for .
Season 4 is , as critic Zac Giaimo notes , integral to character building and plot development for the overall series .
I gave it 9/10 in an earlier review .
However , I don ’ t know if I completely agree with Giaimo ’ s Amazonian optimism .
Season 3 set up urgent questions that should be answered by the end of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The Feed—A Mind Matters TV Series Review : I started out thinking that the show was just the usual ho-hum tyrant-AI-takes-over flick and it is so good to be wrong !
Imagine a world where your mind is stored on social media .
Now , what happens if someone steals , then abandons it ?
What will you do ?
Her ( 2013 ) : If you created her , is it real love ?
In this retrospective Mind Matters movie review , Adam Nieri ponders the questions raised by a thoughtful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is exactly what Theodore was looking for .
No surprise there ; Samantha is , literally , adjusted and updated according to Theodore ’ s preferences from when he initially began speaking to her .
She exists only to be Theodore ’ s soulmate .
Is that enough ?
How To Become Human—A Mind Matters Short Film Review .
This new film turns a conventional sci-fi storytelling premise upside down .
Rather than an AI struggling to become human in a human-dominated world , we watch a human struggling to be more like @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Lost in Space , A Mind Matters TV series review .
I was skeptical at first , based on Netflix ’ s track record , but was pleasantly surprised .
If I could rewind time a week and add a piece of 2019 sci-fi to my list of the year ’ s Best and Worst Sci-Fi TV , I would add Netflix ’ s Lost in Space , Season 2—which came out just after I had published .
Let ’ s fix that now .
Love , death , & robots Despite @ @ @ @ @ @ @ shorts were enjoyable and downright fun to watch Nightflyers : A Mind Matters TV Series Review Despite its flaws , Nightflyers does not deserve all the criticism it received .
It ’ s the saga of a ship of scientists making their way through the cosmos to unlock the secrets of a mysterious entity known as Volcryn .
It turns out that Volcryn is not the only mystery ; the good ship Nightflyer holds many of its own secrets .
The Outer Worlds—A Mind Matters Game Review : You must discover the dark @ @ @ @ @ @ @ despite the greed and corruption of a handful of powerful corporations .
After the raging dumpster fire that Fallout 76 ( 2018 ) turned out to be , I hesitated to invest my time and money in another role-playing game ( RPG ) epic .
But I am glad I did .
Picard ( 2020 ) : Episode 1 Is an AI-Themed Mystery .
The mystery is related to another familiar Star Trek character .
Seeing the Star Trek universe from a different perspective—that is , not from the interior of a starship—was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ viewers a unique look at what day-to-day life is like for other people ( much as The Mandalorian did for the Star Wars universe ) .
Star Trek : Picard — On second thought , some serious quibbles .
Now that I ’ m four episodes in , I ’ ve got ta say , the “ haters ” might be onto something .
Not everything but something .
Why does Picard seem to be obsessed with Commander Data ?
And what happened to The Federation ?
Star Trek fans are quick to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ takes an unnecessary malevolent tone towards The Federation .
Why do the Romulans look different ?
I ’ m still watching but I ’ d like some answers .
Simulation : Would a simulated universe even make sense ?
A well-crafted short sci-fi film suggests , intentionally or otherwise , maybe not .
I ’ ve seen quite a few sci-fi short films over the years and Simulation is certainly one of the better ones .
However , beyond that , I ’ m not sure this film knows what it is ; @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sprites : Will plausible robots replace movie stars ?
A short film prepares us to think about it .
Tales of the Loop : Pushing the boundaries of the possible .
Simon Stålenhag ’ s captivating post-apocalyptic landscapes remind us that the world could , at any time , be different from what we think it is .
Science fiction , as an art , has always meant to inspire .
It ’ s meant to push the boundaries of the possible .
And Stålenhag ’ s world isn ’ t just different @ @ @ @ @ @ @ : Dark Fate—A Mind Matters Movie Review .
Aside from the fact that it felt like a retextured version of Terminator 2 , I was constantly being reminded of the film ’ s obvious political agenda .
Movies like Terminator : Dark Fate don ’ t seem to be made by people who care about the narrative .
They seem to think that they need only make something that looks like a movie but acts as a medium for broadcasting their message to the masses .
Also , a defense of science fiction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ?
As a sci-fi critic , I think most fans are just looking for a genre where they can understand and be understood .
It ’ s true that many people who are attracted to science fiction feel like outcasts or disconnected from mainstream popular culture .
And many of them feel welcome , loved , accepted , and validated in the sci-fi community .
Does that really make them narcissists ?

Last week we took a look at some of my recommendations for the best sci-fi apocalypses around, especially if you are stuck indoors waiting out the much less spectacular COVID-19. Similar lists and movie recommendations came pouring through my Google News feed last week so let’s keep going with the flow. A friend tells me that an influx of sci-fi gamers have been quarantined (lockdown, quarantine, self-quarantine, shelter in place, whatever) To the rescue with a new list!
Has your ISP lifted bandwidth limits in your area due to thousands more Americans working from home? Great news for gamers too! Here’s my list of top-notch sci-fi apocalypse games. Note that I am not ranking them or claiming the list is comprehensive. But I believe that these games are worth your time.
Note that most video games can be watched as a cinematic on YouTube. So, if you’re interested in a great story, but not too excited about slashing through the gameplay, I’ve got you covered too.
1.The Last of Us (2013). “In a hostile, post-pandemic world, Joel and Ellie, brought together by desperate circumstances, must rely on each other to survive a brutal journey across what remains of the United States.” (IMDB) Yes, this title was on my previous list, and for good reason. The Last of Us is one of the best and most unique pieces of zombie sci-fi, not an overstatement. The story concept for how people become infected is intriguing and one that I’m surprised I’ve not seen more often in film or TV. Cinematic:
2. Fallout (except Fallout 76) (1997ff) Rather than put every single Fallout favorite on this list, I am grouping them all together. Beginning with Fallout 3 (2008) (“ a faction of technologically advanced pro-human soldiers who survived the nuclear holocaust, becomes engaged in a desperate war”) I would also highly recommend Fallout New Vegas (2010) and Fallout 4 (2015). With all the disappointments and poor quality coming from Bethesda in recent years, it’s easy to forget that Bethesda used to be a ground-breaking game developer. I will never forget blowing up a nuke in Fallout 3 on my laptop as I sat in history class pretending to take notes on the lineage of British kings in the 10th century. While the games are not based on the sort of apocalypse that conjures up zombies, the post-apocalyptic landscapes are absolutely something to be explored. I poured endless nights into wandering through the wasteland and exploring the unique stories it had to tell. Fallout 3 Cinematic:
Also: Fallout New Vegas (Cinematic) and Fallout 4 (Cinematic)
3.The Walking Dead (2012) (“In a world devastated by the undead, a convicted criminal is given a second chance at life when he comes across a little girl named Clementine.”) Okay, I will admit. I never actually finished playing through the entire series. I have, however, played through enough to know that this game needs to be on this list. This five-part series is based on the acclaimed work by Robert Kirkman (the popular AMC series of the same name is also based on his work). If you’re a fan of intensely captivating stories, I would highly recommend giving this one a playthrough. Cinematic:
4.The Metro trilogy. It includes Metro 2033 (2010), Metro: Last Light (2013), and Metro Exodus (2019). The series, like Fallout, is set in a post-apocalyptic world that has been ravaged by nuclear war. With a world full of mutated creatures, and an uncertain presence known as The Dark Ones, Metro is often an underappreciated heavyweight when it comes to fantastic video game sci-fi. This is one story I know will have you going back for more. Cinematic:
Now I know what you’re thinking, “but what about State of Decay (2013)???” Well, there is a ton of great sci-fi post-apocalyptic games out there. These are merely the ones I’ve played and highly recommend for those who enjoy deeply compelling story driven gameplay. I hope this list serves someone’s happiness and brings a little joy into an otherwise anxious world.
Stay safe, and stay healthy. Also, wash your hands!
Last week’s “wait out COVID-19″ binge: How sci-fi treats pandemics Five sci-fi apocalypses to help you wait out COVID-19
One thing for sure, all those doomsday preppers, at whom we silently rolled our eyes years ago, are now crackin’ a secret smile. Never mind, us sci-fi buffs are going to need more than fizzy water and disinfectant. We need food for the mind! Here’s a sci-fi binge list, to keep our minds occupied.
Still stuck indoors and viewing the world through the silver screen? Here are some of Adam Nieri’s other recommendations and reflections, brought to you by Mind Matters News Sci-Fi Saturday:
2019’s Best and Worst Sci-Fi TV: 2019 featured many sci-fi television and movies that were less sci-fi than political narrative. In 2019, I fell out with Netflix. I felt bombarded by more and more edgy content, as though Netflix wanted me to know how “adult” it is. Rather than producing a few amazing originals, Netflix started vomiting up a ton of terrible originals.
Ad Astra: The Great Silence becomes personal. The film images the fate of those who seek significance in the stars and may well wait indefinitely. In a world where the divine touch of extraterrestrial intelligence doesn’t elevate human existence to any level of significance, we are left with Ad Astra: a slow, methodical decay of human significance.
Alita, Battle Angel A Mind Matters Review: If you love anime and felt betrayed by the flop of Ghost, I would highly recommend Alita.
Another Life All fun and games till an AI falls in love. Then it descends into a convoluted drift of uncertain storytelling. And the victim is not primarily the viewer, who has other options. The victim is the art itself.
Dirty Machines: Short time travel flick exceeds expectations
A Mind Matters Short Film Review: A tense soundtrack, intriguing ending, and thoughtful stylistic choices make Dirty Machines: The End of History a thoughtful exploration of a logically tricky subject. Now, if the director can just resist the temptation to get woke…
The Expanse: A Mind Matters TV Series ReviewThe attention to detail and the realistic portrayal of space set it apart from run-of-the-mill sci-fi. I love the deep mystery surrounding the show’s central narrative device, the proto-molecule. It is somewhat sentient and is desperately trying to figure out what happened to the civilization that created it and was then wiped out while it lay dormant in our solar system for millions of years.
The Expanse, Season 4: The Best So Far? A Mind Matters Perspective: Unlike critic Zac Giaimo, I preferred Season 3 but it really depends on what you are looking for. Season 4 is, as critic Zac Giaimo notes, integral to character building and plot development for the overall series. I gave it 9/10 in an earlier review. However, I don’t know if I completely agree with Giaimo’s Amazonian optimism. Season 3 set up urgent questions that should be answered by the end of the show, preferably beginning in Season 5.
The Feed—A Mind Matters TV Series Review: I started out thinking that the show was just the usual ho-hum tyrant-AI-takes-over flick and it is so good to be wrong! Imagine a world where your mind is stored on social media. Now, what happens if someone steals, then abandons it? What will you do?
Her (2013): If you created her, is it real love? In this retrospective Mind Matters movie review, Adam Nieri ponders the questions raised by a thoughtful AI film. Unlike Catherine, Samantha is exactly what Theodore was looking for. No surprise there; Samantha is, literally, adjusted and updated according to Theodore’s preferences from when he initially began speaking to her. She exists only to be Theodore’s soulmate. Is that enough?
How To Become Human—A Mind Matters Short Film Review. This new film turns a conventional sci-fi storytelling premise upside down. Rather than an AI struggling to become human in a human-dominated world, we watch a human struggling to be more like an artificial intelligence in an AI-dominated world.
Lost in Space, A Mind Matters TV series review. I was skeptical at first, based on Netflix’s track record, but was pleasantly surprised. If I could rewind time a week and add a piece of 2019 sci-fi to my list of the year’s Best and Worst Sci-Fi TV, I would add Netflix’s Lost in Space, Season 2—which came out just after I had published. Let’s fix that now.
Love, death, & robots Despite the trash and ruined expectations, several shorts were enjoyable and downright fun to watch
Nightflyers: A Mind Matters TV Series Review Despite its flaws, Nightflyers does not deserve all the criticism it received. It’s the saga of a ship of scientists making their way through the cosmos to unlock the secrets of a mysterious entity known as Volcryn. It turns out that Volcryn is not the only mystery; the good ship Nightflyer holds many of its own secrets.
The Outer Worlds—A Mind Matters Game Review: You must discover the dark secret of the Halcyon space colony, despite the greed and corruption of a handful of powerful corporations. After the raging dumpster fire that Fallout 76 (2018) turned out to be, I hesitated to invest my time and money in another role-playing game (RPG) epic. But I am glad I did.
Picard (2020): Episode 1 Is an AI-Themed Mystery. The mystery is related to another familiar Star Trek character. Seeing the Star Trek universe from a different perspective—that is, not from the interior of a starship—was super refreshing and rewarding. It gives viewers a unique look at what day-to-day life is like for other people (much as The Mandalorian did for the Star Wars universe).
Star Trek: Picard — On second thought, some serious quibbles. Now that I’m four episodes in, I’ve gotta say, the “haters” might be onto something. Not everything but something. Why does Picard seem to be obsessed with Commander Data? And what happened to The Federation? Star Trek fans are quick to point out that Star Trek: Picard takes an unnecessary malevolent tone towards The Federation. Why do the Romulans look different? I’m still watching but I’d like some answers.
Simulation: Would a simulated universe even make sense? A well-crafted short sci-fi film suggests, intentionally or otherwise, maybe not. I’ve seen quite a few sci-fi short films over the years and Simulation is certainly one of the better ones. However, beyond that, I’m not sure this film knows what it is; it’s an identity crisis.
Sprites: Will plausible robots replace movie stars? A short film prepares us to think about it.
Tales of the Loop: Pushing the boundaries of the possible. Simon Stålenhag’s captivating post-apocalyptic landscapes remind us that the world could, at any time, be different from what we think it is. Science fiction, as an art, has always meant to inspire. It’s meant to push the boundaries of the possible. And Stålenhag’s world isn’t just different, it’s unique.
Terminator: Dark Fate—A Mind Matters Movie Review. Aside from the fact that it felt like a retextured version of Terminator 2, I was constantly being reminded of the film’s obvious political agenda. Movies like Terminator: Dark Fate don’t seem to be made by people who care about the narrative. They seem to think that they need only make something that looks like a movie but acts as a medium for broadcasting their message to the masses.
Also, a defense of science fiction fans: Does science fiction encourage narcissism? As a sci-fi critic, I think most fans are just looking for a genre where they can understand and be understood. It’s true that many people who are attracted to science fiction feel like outcasts or disconnected from mainstream popular culture. And many of them feel welcome, loved, accepted, and validated in the sci-fi community. Does that really make them narcissists?


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-19--Purpose and Hope in a Time of Turmoil

Purpose and Hope in a Time of Turmoil

During a recent staff meeting , two Discovery Institute staff members referenced C.S .
Lewis ’ s essay , On Living in the Atomic Age .
In this new era of coronavirus uncertainty , Lewis ’ s words offer comfort in knowing that the situation we face is not unique , nor unprecedented .
The world has faced many plagues before , and wars , and suffering , and the economic uncertainty that often accompanies these periods .
And — as has been the case throughout history — human beings face death , regardless of its cause .
As I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suffering severely ( and bravely ) from cancer .
I feared for him , and prayed for him , long before coronavirus came on the scene .
Now we fear another contagion en masse .
Times like these , frightening as they are , can reorient one ’ s own priorities and those of society as a whole .
It is arguable that our decadence has preoccupied much of our time and energy on matters that , in the end , don ’ t really matter .
I won ’ t bother to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ my list might be different from yours .
But one thing is certain : the top priority for most in these times is the health and well-being of family and friends , the ongoing work that doesn ’ t pause for a pandemic , and a greater reliance , for many , on faith in God .
The latter , if lasting , could be the best outcome from our present circumstance .
Discovery Institute ’ s mission is to advance a culture of purpose , creativity , and innovation .
Those three @ @ @ @ @ @ @ now even our country , through the weeks and months ahead .
With that in mind , I recently asked a fellow worker a rhetorical question : Why do we care about what is happening ?
Why is it that we worry about the lives and livelihoods of our family , friends , and neighbors ?
And why are we presently trading economic hardship for the protection of human life ?
You know the answer : Because life matters more than the material .
Regardless of whether or not one accepts the idea @ @ @ @ @ @ @ God , the value of life is written on the human heart .
In times of crisis , life is what matters most , even to many dyed-in-the-wool materialists .
Human beings also display remarkable ingenuity and creativity .
Every human achievement — from eternity past to present day — represents the accumulation of knowledge and the application of that knowledge in everyday life .
This will be put to the test in big ways and small to address the current threat .
The big ways are obvious and immediate : the need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and vaccines to protect the healthy .
These will take time , but they will happen .
Other creative solutions — both known and unknown — are smaller , but no less important , especially when considered as a whole .
One recent example from our home base of Seattle brought a tear to my eye .
Health care workers from Providence St. Joseph Health , lacking urgently needed protective medical gear for nurses and doctors , scoured the city for raw materials from home improvement and hobby stores .
Working together @ @ @ @ @ @ @ near Seattle ) , they produced 500 medical grade masks and face shields desperately needed to safely test patients .
As the old adage says , necessity is the mother of invention .
It is a truism , and one that can be witnessed in moving photos of the scene , now making the rounds on social media .
This ability to apply human creativity , and to innovate , will save lives .
In the end — thanks to our focus on purpose , creativity , and innovation — I am hopeful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at Discovery Institute .
In that time , I have witnessed the trauma of September 11 , the wars that followed , the Great Recession , and other national and personal tragedies .
It ’ s not easy , and difficult decisions remain , but we always come through .
So , too , will our country .
And when we do , we will look back and realize that , in these times , purpose became primary ; that human minds , not material processes saved the day ; and that innovations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ role in rising to the challenge .
A restoration of faith , and its application in daily life , is likely to be an outcome as well .
Here is some additional good news .
In this indefinite time of self-quarantine , social distancing , and binge watching , I encourage you to take advantage of Discovery Institute ’ s incredible array of video and audio resources along with some recent articles .
Please also share them with your friends and family .
Thank you for your loyal and steadfast support of our @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the turmoil .
It is appreciated beyond words .

During a recent staff meeting, two Discovery Institute staff members referenced C.S. Lewis’s essay, On Living in the Atomic Age. In this new era of coronavirus uncertainty, Lewis’s words offer comfort in knowing that the situation we face is not unique, nor unprecedented. The world has faced many plagues before, and wars, and suffering, and the economic uncertainty that often accompanies these periods. And — as has been the case throughout history — human beings face death, regardless of its cause. As I write this, a close friend is suffering severely (and bravely) from cancer. I feared for him, and prayed for him, long before coronavirus came on the scene. Now we fear another contagion en masse.
Steve Buri, Discovery President
Times like these, frightening as they are, can reorient one’s own priorities and those of society as a whole. It is arguable that our decadence has preoccupied much of our time and energy on matters that, in the end, don’t really matter. I won’t bother to list them here. After all, my list might be different from yours. But one thing is certain: the top priority for most in these times is the health and well-being of family and friends, the ongoing work that doesn’t pause for a pandemic, and a greater reliance, for many, on faith in God. The latter, if lasting, could be the best outcome from our present circumstance.
Discovery Institute’s mission is to advance a culture of purpose, creativity, and innovation. Those three pillars will guide our organization, and now even our country, through the weeks and months ahead. With that in mind, I recently asked a fellow worker a rhetorical question: Why do we care about what is happening? Why is it that we worry about the lives and livelihoods of our family, friends, and neighbors? And why are we presently trading economic hardship for the protection of human life? You know the answer: Because life matters more than the material. Regardless of whether or not one accepts the idea of a purposeful universe, which suggests God, the value of life is written on the human heart. In times of crisis, life is what matters most, even to many dyed-in-the-wool materialists.
Human beings also display remarkable ingenuity and creativity. Every human achievement — from eternity past to present day — represents the accumulation of knowledge and the application of that knowledge in everyday life. This will be put to the test in big ways and small to address the current threat. The big ways are obvious and immediate: the need to develop therapies to treat the sick, and vaccines to protect the healthy. These will take time, but they will happen.
Other creative solutions — both known and unknown — are smaller, but no less important, especially when considered as a whole. One recent example from our home base of Seattle brought a tear to my eye. Health care workers from Providence St. Joseph Health, lacking urgently needed protective medical gear for nurses and doctors, scoured the city for raw materials from home improvement and hobby stores. Working together in a conference room in Renton (near Seattle), they produced 500 medical grade masks and face shields desperately needed to safely test patients. As the old adage says, necessity is the mother of invention. It is a truism, and one that can be witnessed in moving photos of the scene, now making the rounds on social media. This ability to apply human creativity, and to innovate, will save lives.
In the end — thanks to our focus on purpose, creativity, and innovation — I am hopeful. Next month will mark my 20th year at Discovery Institute. In that time, I have witnessed the trauma of September 11, the wars that followed, the Great Recession, and other national and personal tragedies. It’s not easy, and difficult decisions remain, but we always come through. So, too, will our country. And when we do, we will look back and realize that, in these times, purpose became primary; that human minds, not material processes saved the day; and that innovations, heretofore unknown, played a vital role in rising to the challenge. A restoration of faith, and its application in daily life, is likely to be an outcome as well.
Here is some additional good news. In this indefinite time of self-quarantine, social distancing, and binge watching, I encourage you to take advantage of Discovery Institute’s incredible array of video and audio resources along with some recent articles. Please also share them with your friends and family.
Thank you for your loyal and steadfast support of our work, even in the midst of the turmoil. It is appreciated beyond words.
Warmly –
Steven J. Buri
President
Discovery Institute


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-24--Coronavirus Exposes How West Coast Progressives Failed the Homeless

The coronavirus has changed almost every facet of American life .
It has disrupted work routines , sent children home from school , and stress-tested the global supply chain .
Medical researchers have warned for weeks that the new coronavirus , which causes the disease COVID-19 , is particularly dangerous to seniors and those with underlying health conditions .
But in West Coast cities such as Seattle , San Francisco , and Los Angeles , public authorities are quickly discovering another potential tinderbox for infection : homeless encampments .
This has caused significant political discomfort .
Three weeks ago , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about the potential for an outbreak within homeless encampments , progressive activists slammed him as a “ fascist ” hoping to set up concentration camps for the most vulnerable .
However , within days , the progressive narrative collapsed—the homeless are , in fact , uniquely vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic .
As The New York Times put it : In San Francisco , public authorities are testing 30 homeless individuals who are hospitalized with symptoms of the coronavirus .
If this population tests positive for the disease , the homeless would represent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ countywide .
In response , the local government is scrambling to secure quarantine facilities for the homeless , with County Supervisor Matt Haney suggesting that the government requisition downtown San Francisco ’ s W Hotel to provide emergency shelter .
The mayor recently ordered citizens to “ shelter in place , ” but exempted the homeless—an acknowledgement that public authorities can not provide shelter or maintain public order .
In Seattle , political leaders have begun to acknowledge that the homeless present a frightening transmission vector .
However , amid this crisis , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ been careful to maintain its social justice doctrine .
In his announcement about emergency measures , King County Executive Dow Constantine made sure to “ acknowledge the historical legacy that race and racism bears on geography and economics , ” promising to base his response on the county ’ s “ equity and social justice work.
” Although this simply may be rhetorical cover for placing quarantine sites in poor neighborhoods , it hardly signals a serious response in the face of an epidemic .
So far , the West Coast ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Los Angeles has released 600 inmates from the county jail and directed officers to cease arrests for low-level crimes .
San Francisco has shut down all regular business and effectively ceded the streets to homeless encampments , open-air drug markets , and dumpster fires .
In Seattle , a quarantined homeless man escaped from an emergency facility , stole food from a nearby 7-Eleven , and disappeared on a public bus , prompting the public to fear exposure to the disease .
This is a reckoning that many observers long have been predicted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ San Diego has gone through a hepatitis outbreak , Los Angeles has gone through a typhus outbreak , and Seattle has gone through an HIV outbreak .
Public health officials have warned about a potential outbreak of bubonic plague in rat-infested homeless encampments .
And yet , despite billions in public spending , the number of people on the streets has increased dramatically over the past decade .
At this point , the coronavirus has proven to be the great revealer .
It has exposed the fragility of our economy , the limits @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decadelong failure on homelessness .
Progressive leaders preach compassion , but the result of their policies is cruelty .
Before this crisis is over , there likely will be hundreds of deaths among the homeless that could have been prevented with better policies .
Once life returns to normal , citizens must hold the inept leadership of America ’ s West Coast cities accountable for their actions .
If they do not immediately change course , they will cause tremendous harm to those on the streets .

The coronavirus has changed almost every facet of American life. It has disrupted work routines, sent children home from school, and stress-tested the global supply chain.
Medical researchers have warned for weeks that the new coronavirus, which causes the disease COVID-19, is particularly dangerous to seniors and those with underlying health conditions.
But in West Coast cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, public authorities are quickly discovering another potential tinderbox for infection: homeless encampments.
This has caused significant political discomfort. Three weeks ago, when Seattle radio host Jason Rantz warned about the potential for an outbreak within homeless encampments, progressive activists slammed him as a “fascist” hoping to set up concentration camps for the most vulnerable.


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-24--To Ask “Where Is God in This Pandemic?” Is to Acknowledge that God Exists

Many ask : Where is God in this pandemic ?
This problem of theodicy is real , of course .
We don ’ t always know or understand God ’ s ways .
But we should understand that the question “ Where is God in this pandemic ?
” presupposes God ’ s existence .
To see how , consider a world in which He didn ’ t exist .
Without a Creator , there would be no objective moral standard — no standard of good or evil — that we could apply to this suffering .
It would not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moral sense for countless thousands of people to suffer and die .
In a Godless world it would be unpleasant for those who suffer , of course , but there would be nothing morally wrong or morally perplexing in such suffering .
If the universe is not under objective moral law , we have no warrant to ask “ why ” we or anyone suffers , any more than a machine has a warrant to ask why parts break .
Parts of a machine may corrode or snap , but gadgets don ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ issue at stake .
Suffering in a universe without God and thus without objective good or evil is meaningless , literally .
Richard Dawkins expressed the atheist perspective quite well : But we are part of the universe , and we are not at all piteously indifferent .
The intense sense we have of suffering — our suffering and the suffering of our families and neighbors and of humanity — implicitly points to an objective law of good and evil outside of ourselves .
If suffering is wrong and evil , then there @ @ @ @ @ @ @ material reality .
Good and evil presuppose a Source of moral law .
I don ’ t know why God allows pandemics .
But I know that my — and Richard Dawkins ’ s — moral objection to human suffering is an implicit acknowledgement of God ’ s existence .
I know that the suffering of innocents is evil , and is not merely unpleasant .
That would not be the case if there were no moral Lawgiver outside of my own opinions .
Heck , if I were a mere vehicle for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , I would love mass death , as long as my own genes weren ’ t deleted .
Coronavirus is efficient — natural selection on an industrial scale .
Those of us who are alive are the winners .
I would not know or care about good or evil unless there were a standard of good and evil independent of me .
But we care a lot , and millions risk their own lives to save strangers .
There is a Source of Good , of which evil is a privation .
I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He hasn ’ t told me , or told anyone , as far as I know .
My sense is that suffering on this scale is the working out of things far beyond human understanding .
Perhaps theologian David Bentley Hart was right when he said , concerning the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 , that suffering on this scale is not morally intelligible , and that it would be far more terrible if were .

Many ask: Where is God in this pandemic? This problem of theodicy is real, of course. We don’t always know or understand God’s ways.
But we should understand that the question “Where is God in this pandemic?” presupposes God’s existence. To see how, consider a world in which He didn’t exist. Without a Creator, there would be no objective moral standard — no standard of good or evil — that we could apply to this suffering. It would not be “wrong” in any objective moral sense for countless thousands of people to suffer and die.
In a Godless world it would be unpleasant for those who suffer, of course, but there would be nothing morally wrong or morally perplexing in such suffering. If the universe is not under objective moral law, we have no warrant to ask “why” we or anyone suffers, any more than a machine has a warrant to ask why parts break. Parts of a machine may corrode or snap, but gadgets don’t suffer and there is no moral issue at stake.
Meaningless, Literally
Suffering in a universe without God and thus without objective good or evil is meaningless, literally. Richard Dawkins expressed the atheist perspective quite well:
The universe that we observe has precisely the properties we should expect if there is, at bottom, no design, no purpose, no evil, no good, nothing but pitiless indifference.
But we are part of the universe, and we are not at all piteously indifferent. The intense sense we have of suffering — our suffering and the suffering of our families and neighbors and of humanity — implicitly points to an objective law of good and evil outside of ourselves. If suffering is wrong and evil, then there necessarily exists a moral framework that transcends material reality. Good and evil presuppose a Source of moral law.
Natural Selection on an Industrial Scale
I don’t know why God allows pandemics. But I know that my — and Richard Dawkins’s — moral objection to human suffering is an implicit acknowledgement of God’s existence. I know that the suffering of innocents is evil, and is not merely unpleasant. That would not be the case if there were no moral Lawgiver outside of my own opinions. Heck, if I were a mere vehicle for selfish genes evolved wholly by natural selection, I would love mass death, as long as my own genes weren’t deleted. Coronavirus is efficient — natural selection on an industrial scale. Those of us who are alive are the winners.
I would not know or care about good or evil unless there were a standard of good and evil independent of me. But we care a lot, and millions risk their own lives to save strangers. There is a Source of Good, of which evil is a privation. I ask Him why innocents suffer, and He hasn’t told me, or told anyone, as far as I know.
My sense is that suffering on this scale is the working out of things far beyond human understanding. Perhaps theologian David Bentley Hart was right when he said, concerning the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004, that suffering on this scale is not morally intelligible, and that it would be far more terrible if were.


discoveryinstitute--2020-03-25--Medicine, Religion, and Cosmos — Was Andrew Cuomo Wrong to Invoke God?

In a press conference yesterday about the coronavirus , New York Governor Andrew Cuomo used notably religious language .
He observed ( at 33 minutes ) that healthcare workers are “ doing God ’ s work ” of caring for people .
Was he mistaken in saying so ?
You might well think so from watching the Cosmos series on Fox and the National Geographic channels .
Episodes 5 and 6 of this new season of the program , with Neil deGrasse Tyson , aired on Monday .
See here for commentary from Evolution News on episode 6 .
Going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are my thoughts on episode 5 , entitled “ The Cosmic Connectome.
” This episode gives the impression that ancient medicine , with few exceptions such as the Greek physician Hippocrates and his followers , consisted merely of “ ritualistic appeasement of the gods.
” Reliable medicine triumphed only as science conquered religion .
Wrong impression !
Let ’ s get this right .
In their introduction to the history of medicine , Essential Readings in Medicine and Religion ( Johns Hopkins University Press , 2017 ) , Gary Ferngren and Ekaterina Lomperis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ world took a variety of forms , some secular and some religious or magical.
” Here is their summary of the causal repertoire of ancient medicine ( both before and after Hippocrates ) in Mesopotamian , Egyptian , Hebrew , Greek , Roman , and early Christian texts : Disease was generally attributed to four kinds of causation .
In the first , it was said to be caused by gods or divinities and was often considered to be retributive , that is , inflicted in response to an act that had aroused @ @ @ @ @ @ @ force .
In the second type , disease was attributed to demons ( minor deities or malevolent spirits ) .
In the third , it was said to be caused by the magic of magicians or sorcerers .
Finally , disease was seen to be the result of natural causes that could be observed , for example , in wounds and broken bones .
While in some societies one or another model of disease causation was dominant , in most ancient cultures all four were seen as potential causes , and a proper @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the cause and what kind of treatment would be effective in each instance .
Religion and science-based medicine have continued to interact in modern times , up through the current COVID-19 pandemic .
Like Governor Cuomo , many people today still see religion and medicine as operating in harmony .
They practice social distancing ( echoing Old Testament leprosy protocol ) , accept medical ventilator assistance ( if available ) , and pray .
See neurosurgeon Michael Egnor ’ s comments , “ Why Prayer Is Wise During a Pandemic , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ public hospitals created by ancient Christians , very few ancient people had access to physicians .
Early Christians proclaimed and practiced the harmony of faith ( prayer , not pagan magic ) and medical technology .
Much of the subsequent humanitarian expansion of medicine , especially for the poor , was inspired and funded by Christianity .
Many hospital names still reflect this religious heritage .
Although few medical practices prior to about two hundred years ago significantly resulted in healing , this was not due to religious hindrances to medical progress .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ dramatically improve medical practice , took a long time for humanity to discover .
This largely occurred in the modern Western world .
The Judeo-Christian tradition proved to be a supportive context for such discoveries .
See my video that deals with this subject , “ Three Big Ways Christianity Supported the Rise of Modern Science.
” So Cosmos host Neil Tyson is wrong to say that the hallmark of modern science and enlightened medicine is the belief that “ nothing happens without a natural cause.
” That is a narrow philosophical belief @ @ @ @ @ @ @ cultural roots of modern science .
Discovery of the cause-and-effect structure of the natural world has been best fostered in cultures committed to a belief in a supernatural creator who made a world with discoverable natural laws and discernible natural histories .
Despite Tyson ’ s many misguided criticisms of theistic religion , his own materialistic faith is granted a privileged , but undeserved , authority in Cosmos 3.0 .
Much of the rest of episode 5 is devoted to celebrating the emergence of consciousness from material processes , even though there is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have happened by a series of unguided physical events .
Echoing Carl Sagan , Tyson defines the universe as “ everything that ever was , is , or will be.
” This is a statement of faith .
Science , in principle , could not derive such a conclusion .
Finally , Tyson conveys religious awe when he concludes the episode with the hopeful anticipation that , after sharing our digitized brain contents with alien superintelligence , humanity will experience the “ ultimate realization of emergence , a cosmos interconnected by thoughts and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is an oblique expression of the extraterrestrial enlightenment myth that I debunk in my book Unbelievable .
See also , “ Unbelievable : The Myth of Alien Enlightenment.
” Be on the lookout for more of this muddled naturalistic Nirvana in the remaining episodes of Cosmos .
Editor ’ s note : Find further reviews and commentary on the third season of Cosmos , “ Possible Worlds , ” here : • “ Cosmos Episode 6 — That ’ s Entertainment !
( But Is It Science ? )
” • “ The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — Baruch Spinoza as Science Hero ” • “ New Cosmos Episodes : Only Part of the Story ” • “ Counterprogramming for Cosmos 3.0 : Two New Videos from Science Historian Mike Keas ” • “ Cosmos 3.0 Revisits Themes of the Past , with Familiar Historical Mythmaking ” • “ Cosmos 3.0 with Neil deGrasse Tyson Arrives Tonight at 8 PM , Somewhat Dented ” Image credit : Galen and Hippocrates , two ancient physicians , depicted in a fresco from Anagni Cathedral in Italy , by Nina Aldin Thune via @ @ @

In a press conference yesterday about the coronavirus, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo used notably religious language. He observed (at 33 minutes) that healthcare workers are “doing God’s work” of caring for people. Was he mistaken in saying so? You might well think so from watching the Cosmos series on Fox and the National Geographic channels.
Episodes 5 and 6 of this new season of the program, with Neil deGrasse Tyson, aired on Monday. See here for commentary from Evolution News on episode 6. Going a little out of order, here are my thoughts on episode 5, entitled “The Cosmic Connectome.” This episode gives the impression that ancient medicine, with few exceptions such as the Greek physician Hippocrates and his followers, consisted merely of “ritualistic appeasement of the gods.” Reliable medicine triumphed only as science conquered religion. Wrong impression! Let’s get this right.
Ancient Medicine
In their introduction to the history of medicine, Essential Readings in Medicine and Religion (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2017), Gary Ferngren and Ekaterina Lomperis write: “Healing in the ancient world took a variety of forms, some secular and some religious or magical.” Here is their summary of the causal repertoire of ancient medicine (both before and after Hippocrates) in Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Hebrew, Greek, Roman, and early Christian texts:
Disease was generally attributed to four kinds of causation. In the first, it was said to be caused by gods or divinities and was often considered to be retributive, that is, inflicted in response to an act that had aroused the displeasure of a god or divine force. In the second type, disease was attributed to demons (minor deities or malevolent spirits). In the third, it was said to be caused by the magic of magicians or sorcerers. Finally, disease was seen to be the result of natural causes that could be observed, for example, in wounds and broken bones. While in some societies one or another model of disease causation was dominant, in most ancient cultures all four were seen as potential causes, and a proper diagnosis was necessary to determine which type was the cause and what kind of treatment would be effective in each instance.
Religion and science-based medicine have continued to interact in modern times, up through the current COVID-19 pandemic. Like Governor Cuomo, many people today still see religion and medicine as operating in harmony. They practice social distancing (echoing Old Testament leprosy protocol), accept medical ventilator assistance (if available), and pray. See neurosurgeon Michael Egnor’s comments, “Why Prayer Is Wise During a Pandemic,” at Mind Matters.
Medicine and Christianity
Prior to the public hospitals created by ancient Christians, very few ancient people had access to physicians. Early Christians proclaimed and practiced the harmony of faith (prayer, not pagan magic) and medical technology. Much of the subsequent humanitarian expansion of medicine, especially for the poor, was inspired and funded by Christianity. Many hospital names still reflect this religious heritage.
Although few medical practices prior to about two hundred years ago significantly resulted in healing, this was not due to religious hindrances to medical progress. Rather, biomedical science, needed to dramatically improve medical practice, took a long time for humanity to discover. This largely occurred in the modern Western world. The Judeo-Christian tradition proved to be a supportive context for such discoveries. See my video that deals with this subject, “Three Big Ways Christianity Supported the Rise of Modern Science.”
Tyson’s Cosmic Religion
So Cosmos host Neil Tyson is wrong to say that the hallmark of modern science and enlightened medicine is the belief that “nothing happens without a natural cause.” That is a narrow philosophical belief that is out of touch with the cultural roots of modern science. Discovery of the cause-and-effect structure of the natural world has been best fostered in cultures committed to a belief in a supernatural creator who made a world with discoverable natural laws and discernible natural histories.
Despite Tyson’s many misguided criticisms of theistic religion, his own materialistic faith is granted a privileged, but undeserved, authority in Cosmos 3.0. Much of the rest of episode 5 is devoted to celebrating the emergence of consciousness from material processes, even though there is no good explanation for how this could have happened by a series of unguided physical events. Echoing Carl Sagan, Tyson defines the universe as “everything that ever was, is, or will be.” This is a statement of faith. Science, in principle, could not derive such a conclusion.
Finally, Tyson conveys religious awe when he concludes the episode with the hopeful anticipation that, after sharing our digitized brain contents with alien superintelligence, humanity will experience the “ultimate realization of emergence, a cosmos interconnected by thoughts and dreams.” Salvation by technology! This is an oblique expression of the extraterrestrial enlightenment myth that I debunk in my book Unbelievable. See also, “Unbelievable: The Myth of Alien Enlightenment.” Be on the lookout for more of this muddled naturalistic Nirvana in the remaining episodes of Cosmos.
Editor’s note: Find further reviews and commentary on the third season of Cosmos, “Possible Worlds,” here:
Image credit: Galen and Hippocrates, two ancient physicians, depicted in a fresco from Anagni Cathedral in Italy, by Nina Aldin Thune via Wikimedia Commons.


Darwin’s Corrosive Idea

In the case of Darwin ’ s idea of unguided evolution and of a planet of life formed from blind , merciless material processes alone , West notes a range of consequences and impacts , on how we see the sanctity of human , how we understand morality and spirituality , and much more .
In an interview with Sir David Attenborough , in 2013 , the famed evolutionist called humans “ a plague on the Earth.
” And on Twitter , amidst the Coronavirus pandemic , a very popular tweet : In remarkable contrast to that is a perspective @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As biologist Michael Denton has put it , “ The human form is something significant in the cosmic order , and that is a scientific finding.
” Many of us are locked up in our homes – solid intellectual and scientific content is just the thing to provide an alternative to what we see in the news at the moment .
In the case of Darwin ’ s idea of unguided evolution and of a planet of life formed from blind material processes alone , John West , Associate Director of the Center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ range of consequences and impacts , on how we see the sanctity of human life , how we understand morality and spirituality , and much more .
As Dr. West summarizes here , “ Ideas really do have consequence .
”

In the case of Darwin’s idea of unguided evolution and of a planet of life formed from blind, merciless material processes alone, West notes a range of consequences and impacts, on how we see the sanctity of human, how we understand morality and spirituality, and much more. In an interview with Sir David Attenborough, in 2013, the famed evolutionist called humans “a plague on the Earth.” And on Twitter, amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, a very popular tweet:
Wow… Earth is recovering
– Air pollution is slowing down
– Water pollution is clearing up
– Natural wildlife returning home
Coronavirus is Earth’s vaccine
We’re the virus — Tom (@ThomasSchuIz) March 17, 2020
In remarkable contrast to that is a perspective that recognizes design in the cosmos. As biologist Michael Denton has put it, “The human form is something significant in the cosmic order, and that is a scientific finding.”
Many of us are locked up in our homes – solid intellectual and scientific content is just the thing to provide an alternative to what we see in the news at the moment. In the case of Darwin’s idea of unguided evolution and of a planet of life formed from blind material processes alone, John West, Associate Director of the Center for Science & Culture, notes a range of consequences and impacts, on how we see the sanctity of human life, how we understand morality and spirituality, and much more. As Dr. West summarizes here, “Ideas really do have consequence.”