Dawkins et al. Seek to Emulate the Bayblab Podcast

Richard Dawkins, Dan Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens sit down for drinks to discuss whether they are arrogant atheist assholes. A very entertaining conversation on the psychology behind irrational beliefs, and why people get so upset when these beliefs are questioned or criticized. In other words, why isn't it cool think freely about religon in a "free-thinking" civilization?

While these discussions clearly had a more substantial budget than the bayblab podcast (notice the martini glasses, fireplace, bookshelves and full-length video footage), we are clearly a better-looking bunch. Pretty entertaining, even if you're getting tired of all the creationist vs. evolutionist fuss like me.



(HT: Sandwalk)

God is not great

That is the title of Christopher Hitchen's new book. While I can't say that I admire Hitchens as much as Dawkins, in fact he is a bit obnoxious, I do enjoy seeing him debate. On a recent tour for his book, he's decided to do his debates in the bible belt, taking the enemies of reason head-on.

In Dawkins' review of his book, here is what he had to say about Hitchen's debating skills:
"I hadn’t met Hitchens before, but I got an idea of what to expect when Grayling emailed me to discuss tactics. After proposing a couple of lines for himself and me, he concluded, “. . . and Hitch will spray AK47 ammo at the enemy in characteristic style”.
Grayling’s engaging caricature misses Hitchens’s ability to temper his pugnacity with old-fashioned courtesy. And “spray” suggests a scattershot fusillade, which underestimates the deadly accuracy of his marksmanship. If you are a religious apologist invited to debate with Christopher Hitchens, decline."

I think Hitchen's should come debate with John Torry, before the conservatives start including ID in out science books.