Image via Wikipedia
His lecture began with how natural selection isn't bullshit and how even though some think Intelligent Design is correct, they are most certainly wrong. To elaborate on this point, he played the following video by Ray Comfort.
After the laughter died down, he then went into how animals in the wild are survival machines and basically everything they do is so that they survive and pass on their genes. He then pointed out how humans are different and we do things that actually hurt our chances of passing on our DNA, such as adopting other peoples' kids or using contraception. We have goals beyond just surviving and passing on our genes. He then explained that this is due to the fact that our brains have evolved to be flexible, and therefore we are able to change our goals away from just survival mode. He also showed that we weren't the only ones to change our minds about our goals. Sheep dogs have done the same thing, which is evident when you see that the way that they herd sheep and the way that wolves hunt their prey are identical.
He then gave examples of ways that we have subverted our goals in the areas of hunger, sex, parental roles and a few other areas. After that there was a short question and answer period. There really weren't any really hard questions or questions that I felt were particularly insightful.
Overall I felt that this was a great lecture and was very happy that I had the chance to go. The only thing that I have to complain about was the fact that the audio wasn't delayed properly so we heard a major echo effect that, coupled with Dawkins' thick accent, made it difficult to hear parts of the lecture.
I hope that those of you that have yet to see Dawkins live will get the chance to do so when he is in your neck of the woods.
Eldon Tyrell · 850 weeks ago
forest w · 850 weeks ago
Goddless_Woman 43p · 850 weeks ago
Doubting Foo · 850 weeks ago
Frank_Brewer 1p · 850 weeks ago
Goddless_Woman 43p · 850 weeks ago
forest w · 850 weeks ago
And I am happy to report that the acoustics were quite good this evening at the University of Minnesota's Northrup Auditorium, and I enjoyed the lecture very much. :)
Goddless_Woman 43p · 850 weeks ago
Also, I am glad that the acoustics were better for you guys in Minnesota, I am sure the problem that I experienced was the fault of the sound techs at the Wharton Center.
looptheloop 53p · 850 weeks ago
Hal · 847 weeks ago
Just found your blog - there are so many now that it is hard to keep up.
Going to see PZ Myers tonight in Grand Rapids Michigan.
Halohms (youtube channel)
Freidenker · 818 weeks ago