Category Archives: Philosophy

What does “science” in “scientism” mean?

Posted on February 25, 2012 by

Scientism is usually an accusation, an insult hurled at someone who is accused of not knowing the limits of science, and of arrogantly and ignorantly stomping all over areas of human interest that are the proper domain of “other ways … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Science | Tagged , , , | 23 Comments

What are “laws of physics”?

Posted on January 17, 2012 by

In Sam Harris’s interview with Lawrence Krauss, regarding Krauss’s new book “A Universe from Nothing” (I haven’t read the book yet, it’s on order), Sam asks: “You have described three gradations of nothing — empty space, the absence of space, … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy, Science | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Science can answer morality questions

Posted on December 12, 2011 by

The claim is so often made that it has become a cliche: “Science cannot tell you what you ought to do”. The mantra that morality is a domain to which science has no access is oft-repeated by the religious, anxious … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Philosophy, Religion, Science | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

Lacking “free will” does not negate moral responsibility

Posted on December 7, 2011 by

A long-running feature of Jerry Coyne’s popular website has been his discussion of “free will”. Jerry sensibly rejects all notions of mind/body dualism or any notions of a supernatural “soul” which can over-ride the laws of physics. However, Jerry is … Continue reading →

Posted in Philosophy | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments