‘The Evolution of Confusion’ by Dan Dennett, AAI 2009

Dan Dennett talks about purposely-confusing theology and how it’s used. He also describes his new project interviewing clergyman who secretly don’t believe anymore, and introduces a new term: „Deepity.“

Dan Dennett is the author of many excellent books, including „Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon“ and „Darwin’s Dangerous Idea“. He is also featured in the video „The Four Horsemen“ along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens.

‘We Few, We Happy Few, We Band of Brothers’ by Dr. Andy Thomson, AAI 2007

Dr. Andy Thomson gives a talk on the motives behind suicide terrorism at the Atheist Alliance International 2007 Conference in Washington, D.C. This video is available on DVD as part of the ‘AAI 2007’ DVD set, available at http://store.richarddawkins.net .

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Evolution for Everyone

Professor David Sloan Wilson looks at Darwins theory of evolution vs. theories of creationism and intelligent design. He considers the assault on Darwins theory by those who advance theories of creationism or intelligent design in this installment of the Darwin Evolving Series from UCLA. Series: Darwin Evolving [10/2009] [Health and Medicine] [Science] [Show ID: 16922]

Why do people laugh at creationists? (part 29)

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Why do people laugh at creationists (WDPLAC) is a series of videos exposing the funny stupidity of creationists and why they deserve to be laughed at. Typically creationist statements are shown to be outrageously stupid by even the most rudimentary knowledge of science.

In this episode the origin of morality is addressed, particularly with respect to arguments of the big time Christian apologist Ravi Zacharias. Zach is notably called out on his dishonest techniques.
These notably include the favorite of the creationist, the conversation with the Ivy League professor. Zach, just like the convicted frauster Hovind loves using this device.

-Naturally the honest approach would simply be to present ones argument.

However if your argument is shite, then this approach will likely be ineffective.

People like Zach make the play on the argument from authority. It is therefore essential to establish himself as an authority figure. This is why in the full interview Zach spends minutes building up the picture of how all these university students were keen to see him, and how electric the atmosphere was etc. Basically the only purpose of the story is to suggest to the audience that the man is an authority and his argument therefore probably has credibility- its basically a diversion to prevent harsh examination of his argument. Given the audience response the technique is clearly quite effective.

Zach is again called on his use of diversion when delivering his proof (basically listing points of agreement, saying god did it, then re-listing off the points of agreement). On close inspection it turns out that his entire argument is basically there are morals, so god must have made them.

This is of course a hopeless argument from ignorance, and EVEN IF IT WERE TRUE, its a immoral proposition that a divine being allows evil as a contrast agent.

It is then described how societies cannot exist without some form of morals (basically behavior towards other members of the society).
It doesnt take a very long look at nature to see these behaviors in other animals, or why such behaviors are naturally selected for.