At the beginning of the 20th century we had the development of science on a strict empirical basis in general.
Scientific explanation became the dominant explanation of things and Darwinism was one of these explanatory knowledge systems.
In addition to this came the fast growing knowledge about DNA and the hereditary properties of genes in the late 1950s and on.
It brought us men like Robert Ardrey , Desmond Morris, Conrad Lorenz and eventually also a man like Edward Wilson (1929 - ...).
In his book "Sociobiology: The New Synthesis" (1975), Edward WiIson, a zoologist at Harvard, wanted to show how social behavior - in animals and humans - is determined by biology, by genes.
Wilson has a broad knowledge of biology and is considered a worldwide authority on insects. In his book, he shows how all kinds of social behavior
in insects, birds, fish and mammals can be explained by whether the requirements of the organism's relationship to its environment,
or by some strictly biological factor, for example smell, that clearly is determined by heredity.
He shows, for example, how territorial drive is linked to food needs and how a population is not only dependent on the availability of food, but also on sexual behavior that in turn is linked to patterns of dominance.
Not everybody was happy with the strong emphasis on social heredity and the deterministic view of human society and human action in Wilson's theory.
Sociobiology re-ignited the nature and nurture debate. How much are we determined by our gens, which we inherited from our parents, how much by education and environment?
The next chapter in the last 25 years of the 20th century was added by Richard Dawkins.
Few scientists have acquired such a high public profile as Richard Dawkins and maintained it amid such controversy.
His first book "The Selfish Gene", published in 1976, launched him to fame as a popularizer of evolutionary biology.
In describing genes as being "selfish", Dawkins states unequivocally that he does not intend to imply
that they are driven by any motives or will, but merely that their effects can be metaphorically described as if they were.
His contention is that the genes that are passed on are the ones whose evolutionary consequences serve their own implicit "interest" in being replicated, not necessarily those of the organism.
His quintessential point of view is, that we can understand and explain (human) life only in terms of scientific description, hence his vigorous atheism.
Eight books and 30 years later, he wrote "The God Delusion" (2006), which reinvented him as a ferocious advocate for atheism.
Because I had the feeling that the strong atheism of the end of the 20th century had faded, I wondered about Richard Dawkins.
Is he still around and active? Well, he is with a new book "Outgrowing God - A Beginner's Guide" (2019), which aims to inform young people about religion and atheism.
He still thinks and hopes that eventually religion will be replaced by rational thinking.
Last week I had to answer a quiz question: How many religions are there at the moment on earth? The right answer was ......................4200.
The Discussion
[13:19] CB Axel: And each one of those 4200 religions is the one true religion.
[13:20] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i think that it will be hard to replace religion by rational thinking
[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): 4200?
[13:20] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): wow
[13:20] herman Bergson: Well Bejiita...I have a list of more than 3200 gods that mankind was devoted to through the ages :-))
[13:21] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): too much to think about
[13:21] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): must be crowded in heaven :)
[13:21] herman Bergson: I want to say something about your remark Beertje...it is a good one....
[13:21] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well through the ages are one thing but now active?
[13:21] CB Axel: No, because only believers in the one true religion go to heaven.
[13:21] herman Bergson: If you look at history there still may be hope.....
[13:22] herman Bergson: just take torturing people.....
[13:22] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ow
[13:22] CB Axel: I don't care what anyone's religion is. I just wish they'd stop trying to force me to conform to their beliefs.
[13:22] herman Bergson: It was common practice and today we have dropped that method....though there are still exceptions....that is what we call them...exceptions
[13:23] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like the IS extremists who have the goal of killing everyone not thinking as they
[13:23] herman Bergson: there are more examples....we change in a positive way...but soooooo slowly...but yet
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): exceptions surely but scary such
[13:24] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:24] CB Axel: Or anti-abortionists in the US, Bejiita.
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hopefully indeed rational thinking takes more and more control
[13:24] herman Bergson: Indeed Bejiita....but when we capture the murderers they will be sentenced
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): over religion, supernaturals and hocus pocus belong to the past, we know better today
[13:24] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): should do
[13:25] herman Bergson: the secularization is a fact these days...also among muslims...at the same pace
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): depends on the country where they live tho all so different
[13:26] herman Bergson: We do no longer accept slavery
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): customs wise
[13:26] herman Bergson: Yes Gemma, but you should see it global wide
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I do
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that is how I know
[13:26] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): and
[13:27] herman Bergson: The totality of mankind becomes less religious...
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): in the US big differences too
[13:27] herman Bergson: Yes indeed
[13:27] CB Axel: It's not happening fast enough for me, Herman. :)
[13:27] herman Bergson: I have said it several times before.....
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:27] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): nothing ever does cb
[13:27] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): it should have happened long ago id say
[13:28] herman Bergson: The changes we discuss and desire take GENERATIONS to take place
[13:28] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): right!!!!!
[13:28] herman Bergson: But what WE can observe is, that there ARE changes in the "right" direction :-)
[13:28] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): then 11 sept and all that followed including these wars raging in the middle east would not have happened and the world would had been a much happier place as
[13:29] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): its motly religion that caused that mess
[13:29] herman Bergson: That is something you can say at every moment in history, Bejiita
[13:30] herman Bergson: and take the term "religion" very broadly....
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well things like this have happened before surely but its like after that date the wold got more dark and evil for many years
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but hopefully we see an end to this now
[13:30] CB Axel: I think it's people using religion to justify their violence not really religion.
[13:30] herman Bergson: Nationalism, a hobby of today (America first) , os also a religion in that sense
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm indeed CB
[13:30] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): something is wrong
[13:30] herman Bergson: Yes CB.....
[13:30] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): that ws not religious in any way bejita
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): they use religion to justify evil
[13:31] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): those guys were not religious at all
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and mass murder
[13:31] herman Bergson: Just say that YOU have the word of God at your side and you have a freebie to kill all your opponents....that is the old trick
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sadly
[13:31] CB Axel nods
[13:31] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): :(
[13:31] herman Bergson: and God can also be read as "The Will of the People"
[13:32] herman Bergson: Many populists pull that trick
[13:32] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:32] herman Bergson: Trump does it very often.....
[13:32] herman Bergson: when he says....many people.....everybody knows.....etc
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and in reaity its then his own will and not the people and then he brainwash them to agree with him
[13:33] herman Bergson: Indeed Bejiita
[13:33] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): egoism
[13:33] Max Chatnoir is offline.
[13:34] herman Bergson: He said it was the Will of the people...ok...then let's follow the leader...he should know, shouldn't he?
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): exactly
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): trump has not one idea of what religion is
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): just like anything else
[13:34] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): phony
[13:34] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): sure he fixed some jobs but at same time is on brink of trigger WW3 all time ot feels like
[13:35] herman Bergson: But I believe that increased educational levels of the people will make such tricks obsolete
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and I do NOT want to experience that!
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hope so
[13:35] CB Axel: Have you all seen the picture of evangelical pastors laying their hands on Trump like he is the second coming of Jesus?
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:35] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (shivers)
[13:35] herman Bergson: Like Dawkins says....you only should accept scientific facts....
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he must have been gagging
[13:35] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): germaphobe
[13:36] herman Bergson: but you only can witheducation.....
[13:36] CB Axel: He loved it. He wants their adoration.
[13:36] herman Bergson: We dont need to teach epople WHAT to think, but HOW to think properly, rationally
[13:36] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): true
[13:36] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): I bet he sat there with his awful boast smile meanwhile as usual
[13:37] herman Bergson: Dawkins?
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): like F*CK U IM BETTER THEN ANY OF YOU ORDINARy PEOLPE CAUSE IM RIIICH
[13:37] CB Axel: I agree, Herman.
[13:37] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): calm bej
[13:37] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but that face says that to me for sure
[13:37] herman Bergson: You're talking about Mr. T, Bejiita?
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): he think he is something
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): yes
[13:38] herman Bergson: ok
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not something... everything!!!
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hmm agree Gemma
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (sighs again)
[13:38] herman Bergson: Just be patient and wait and see how things will develop the coming weeks
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but hopefuly all woll sort out in the end
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): will
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ald all will be good
[13:38] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): watched allllll of the hearing yesterday
[13:38] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): I hope so
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yesterday
[13:39] herman Bergson: I did too Gemma...!
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): phew
[13:39] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): i saw a part of the hearing
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): tomorrow wil be interesting
[13:39] herman Bergson: Brilliant men, Kent and Taylor
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): boh
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): keeps my fingers crosses!
[13:39] herman Bergson: real diplomats...serving their country
[13:39] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): both
[13:39] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:40] herman Bergson: OMG CB!!!
[13:40] CB Axel: ikr
[13:40] herman Bergson: Totaql insanity there
[13:40] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yep
[13:41] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): is the photo real????
[13:41] herman Bergson: Blessing THE example of immorality
[13:41] herman Bergson: Yes I remember that photo Beertje
[13:41] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): (sighs a 3rd time)
[13:41] herman Bergson: As you know...He is the CHOSEN ONE.....
[13:42] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): I almost can't believe it
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): surreal
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): a long time ago i saw an old movie where there was a man who was a huckster... had adoration of everyone... but when he got off the air he mocked them and more... until one day someone one of the engineers left his mike open adn all heard him
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): and scary
[13:42] herman Bergson: Neither could I :-)
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): I keep hoping this will happen to trump
[13:42] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ssigh
[13:42] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): me too
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): i can just imagine what he said out those religious when they left
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:43] herman Bergson: It already has happened Gemma
[13:43] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): hhe yes
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not really yet
[13:43] herman Bergson: The telephone call in the restaurant with Sundland
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): hearsay
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): he says
[13:43] herman Bergson: overheard by a staff member
[13:43] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): so not yet
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): not yet
[13:44] CB Axel: Not exactly the same thing, but that phone call was awesome. :D
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): but all the BS he spreads on Twitter then?
[13:44] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): his trumpers have to hear HIM make fun of them
[13:44] herman Bergson: no no...the person will testify under oath tomorrow
[13:44] bergfrau Apfelbaum: this picture is so embarrassing and scary!
[13:44] herman Bergson: But I guess we are a bit off topic now..:-)
[13:44] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): idiots supporting idiots
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): it does not matter herman... until they get to see and understand they are also is minions
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): or the club for the brainless
[13:45] herman Bergson: A nice atheistic remark, Bejiita ^_^
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate) GIGGLES!!
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): ...LOL...
[13:45] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): then they might change
[13:45] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): aaa
[13:46] herman Bergson: So..let me thank you again for our pleasant meeting :-)
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): yes
[13:46] herman Bergson: Class dismissed...
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): well cu next time
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:46] bergfrau Apfelbaum: Herman, Your name must also be on the list. we believe in you!
[13:46] bergfrau Apfelbaum: :-)
[13:46] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): YAY! (yay!)
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): might make Tuesday next week
[13:46] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): lol Bergie
[13:46] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): will see
[13:46] herman Bergson: on what list Bergie? :-)))
[13:47] bergfrau Apfelbaum: see ypu yext week:-) ty
[13:47] Gemma (gemma.cleanslate): bye all
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): cu soon again
[13:47] herman Bergson: Bye Gemma :-)
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): ㋡
[13:47] herman Bergson: Enjoy your weekend ^_^
[13:47] Particle Physicist Bejiita (bejiita.imako): u too
[13:47] CB Axel: Bye, everyone. See you Tuesday. :)
[13:47] .: Beertje :. (beertje.beaumont): bye CB
[13:47] herman Bergson: Bye CB
