The Horrors of Evolution (Evolution)

by George Jelliss , Crewe, Saturday, September 06, 2008, 18:10 (5923 days ago) @ Carl

Carl says: "Logic is also all well and good, but there is a time and place for everything. There is nothing logical about professional sports or watching professional actors pretend to be someone they aren't feeling something they don't. Yet people pay for the opportunity to do these illogical things." - It seems Carl has his own idea of what "logic" is, which does not correspond to the dictionary definition. Taking part in or watching sports or drama are perfectly rational activities. They in no way contradict logic. - Carl continues: "There is a time for logic and a time for tolerance. In the pursuit of science there is no room for tolerance. The fittest logic should survive. The same is true of medicine. But in what we could call the "electives" of life such as sports, art, literature and religion, there is room for tolerance. As long as no unwilling victims suffer, people should be free to engage in these pursuits to their own tastes." - Here Carl contrasts "logic" with "tolerance", as if they are opposites. The main characteristic of logic, as I understand it, is the willingness to listen to all points of view and to patiently point out where one thing does not follow from another and try to arrive at an agreed conclusion. Also I would contest his inclusion of "religion" along with other aesthetic activities. If religion was just a matter of rites and customs this might be correct, but that's not my experience of what religion is. - Carl maintains: "Edinburgh4 stated his intent was to inform, not to persuade. If it was an attempt to persuade, then a logical argument should ensue. But I am satisfied with understanding his point of view. Of course, there is always the possibility that behind his effort to inform was a hope to persuade, and I can live with that." - I had assumed that Edinburgh4 is the same as Phil Holden whose videos he linked to, and whose purpose is clearly to persuade. If I've jumped to an unwarranted conclusion here, and made an error of logic, I apologise, but perhaps Edinburgh4 can clarify the matter.