Critical Thinking, What Does it Mean to Be Open to Learn?
Here is a blog of mine on why the Fibonacci-sequence is not scientific evidence of a creator: https://damienmarieathope.com/2015/09/fibonacci-sequence-as-scientific-evidence-of-a-creator/
“I want real factors of evidence Not Mockery in discussion. Mathematical factors in correlation of so many structures in life certainly do prove evident to me that there is a design. I will admit ive been wrong but mockery proves nothing to me but seeming contempt.” – Challenger
Nancy Raso I was going to send this to you but to be honest I didn’t get to listen the whole thing. Damien AtHope doesn’t usually mock but let me hear it & get back to you.
My response, Life is part of evolution so there is connections and similar patterns that is not design. Creationism is a debunked religious conspiracy theory, just like its wolf in sheep’s clothing cousin, intelligent destine. The theory of evolution originated with Charles Darwin but left hypothesis, when it was supported by study of DNA combined with physical evidence. Creationism debunking examples which support the Theory of Evolution are a universality in the worlds genetic code along with cross-species genetic commonalities. While it is scientifically understandable to grasp that we share DNA with great apes including orangutans, chimpanzees, gorillas, and bonobos; which can share up to approximately 98% of human DNA but it does not end there by a long shot. Humans also share DNA with other animals, as we all evolved together in a since or more accurately share common evolutionary ancestors. You may be amazed to learn mice seemingly so different than us can share up to approximately 90% of human DNA, dogs can share up to approximately 80% of human DNA, but then all mammals have a DNA similarity; in fact, we share DNA genes with plants and with every other living organism. This is very strong evidence for a common ancestor from which all life descended; because of DNA evidence that appears to be shared by all life on Earth. Then there is the other very strong proof of the fossil record, from the simplest fossils in the oldest rocks to the vast amount of skeletal remains all accumulatively supporting evolution again and again. Therefore, evidence supporting evolution presented must be added with so many other things that could not just fill a book on its own, like common traits in embryos, extra. The terrain of evidence supporting the theory of evolution is so vast it is less like a mountain of evidence, than a mountain range of evidence from multiple areas of science creating a unified whole. Moreover, there is simply so much more valid and reliable reason and evidence confirming the theory of evolution that to reject evolution, is paramount to one accepting that they can be view as a discredited unscientific magical conspiracy theorist. Creationism (pseudoscience): https://damienmarieathope.com/2016/09/creationism-pseudoscience/
”Ok so using the allegory of “Magic” as derogatory and falsehood in correlation to design… seems mockery to me… Perhaps its Text tone… sounds all determined opinion to me.” – Challenger
My response, Science is not the same as opinion and both creationism and intelligent design had their day in court and lost as they are not scientific.
“So many say the earth was flat.” – Challenger
My response, And the ones saying such things are factually incorrect.
“Ty for your opinion.” – Challenger
My response, There is lots of science and pictures showing the earth is not flat.
“True knowledge is in knowing we know nothing is my view… Science was proven wrong by time huh?” – Challenger
Here is my blog addressing flat-earth:
https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/11/flat-earth-mania-a-debunked-religious-theory/
Nancy Raso Please don’t tell me you believe that the earth was flat, Davy! We have seen it from space.
“Whatever.” – Challenger
My response, So if you know nothing then why are you making claims?
“Ive stated my opinions.” – Challenger
My response, To say something about knowledge and then claim to not have knowledge is a contradiction.
“Im not claiming i know… i regard i may learn more, ok what else? ” – Challenger
Nancy Raso Damien’s not trying to mock you. These are basic scientific facts. The problem is that people need to learn science.
My response, But the admission that you can learn more means that you have knowledge but you claimed “we know nothing in my view”, how is this consistent?
“Is there an absolute and is science absolute?” – Challenger
My response, I will answer your question when you answer my question.
Nancy Raso There’s a difference between opinions and facts. Only facts can be proven not opinions.
My response, Opinions can be proven with facts.
Nancy Raso Yes, that’s true, Damien.
“My view is that there may be no absolute … therefore knowledge is not consistent with our lives… ever changing just as the science can be ilusive to the eye at first. Science is fallible in my view … just as any view of course, therefore… conviction is moot in learning.” – Challenger
My response, To claim knowledge of science if fallible is to assume an absolute in the claim or do you not know this for sure?
“What do believe Science to be… other than Study of man?” – Challenger
My response, I find it funny a question of absolute as there are lots of absolute things. We are absolutely using Facebook and talking in English. Science has lots of absolutes. It is an absolute fact that we are humans and not rocks. We are on earth not the sun.
“Dimensional colors unseen … frequencies unheard and all thats beyond our perception may regard a different view of our decisions and factors altogether no?” – Challenger
My response, To say that reality has oddness is not the same as to confirm supernatural anything. I am open to evidence even of supernatural anything and when I get it if valid and reliable I will believe in it but I have no reason to do so until then.
“Philosophers throughout time recognize facts are often a an illusion debunked in time is my point. So to make claims of “facts” is to what ends? Do i believe them myself? not often honestly.” – Challenger
My response, Justified True Belief equals knowledge was the philosophy standard. I enjoy philosophy.
“Love of Wisdom.” – Challenger
“Agreed.” – Challenger
My response, True, I love the tools that aid in critical thinking.
“I like that…” – Challenger
Nancy Raso He’s awesome. I’m admire your work, Damien Marie AtHope.
My response, Thanks for your support Nancy Raso.
Nancy Raso Thanks for your posts & your comments on my page.
“Im not religious… i dislike religion mostly… however, it appears there is more than we all know and understand… what that is… im curious of. I also tell Nancy Raso that i value the Altruism of good willed Atheists.” – Challenger
“Fair enough 🙂 peace luv n granola powered engines 🙂 I think along the lines is that i trust most of my views are valid from experiences .. but we all see things a bit different… its all good in my eyes… we arent throwing rocks so im glad we can talk civilized … Ty for that Regard.” – Challenger
Nancy Raso I told you he doesn’t mock. He’s a humanist. I believe in debating not arguing.
“:) cool. perhaps the “text tone” in my reading was obscured.” – Challenger
Nancy Raso I do have to listen to that whole thing. He’s very intelligent.
“I agree.. i was reading a bit and was discouraged honestly… however he is intelligent which i have had no doubt.” – Challenger
Nancy Raso I also admire him as person because he doesn’t name call or bad mouth religious people.
“Perhaps his writings are your cup of tea. Ill regard he was very pleasant in communication with me.” – Challenger
Nancy Raso That’s his personality.
My response, Here is a blog of an interaction with a believer who starts with calling me names and by the end apologies. I attack thinking not people. I don’t believe in religions or gods but do believe in people. I see myself as a teacher and fellow learner. https://damienmarieathope.com/2016/02/turning-a-theist-attack-into-a-chance-for-their-new-learning-an-open-dialog/
My response, I call my style “Truth Navigation” here are its main Techniques for Discussions or Debates:
I do truth navigation, both inquiry questions as well as strategic facts in a tag team of debate and motivational teaching.
My eclectic set of tools involves:
*The Hammer of Truth: ontology, epistemology, and axiology
*REMS: reason, evidence, and methodological skepticism
*Utilizing Dignity: strategic dignity attacks or dignity enrichments
*Dialectical Rhetoric = truth persuasion (motivational teaching)
Asking the right questions at the right times with the right info can also change minds it’s just you can’t just use facts all on there own. Denial likes consistency, the pattern of thinking can not vary from a fixed standard of thinking, or the risk of truth could slip in. Helping people alter skewed thinking is indeed a large task but most definitely a worthy endeavour. https://damienmarieathope.com/2017/12/truth-navigation-techniques-for-discussions-or-debates/
“Ty for your patience and thoughtfulness.” – Challenger
While hallucinogens are associated with shamanism, it is alcohol that is associated with paganism.
The Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries Shows in the prehistory series:
Show two: Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”
Show tree: Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”
Show four: Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”
Show five: Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”
Show six: Emergence of hierarchy, sexism, slavery, and the new male god dominance: Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves!
Prehistory: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” the division of labor, power, rights, and recourses: VIDEO
Pre-animism 300,000 years old and animism 100,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO
Totemism 50,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO
Shamanism 30,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism”: VIDEO
Paganism 12,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Pre-Capitalism): VIDEO
Paganism 7,000-5,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Capitalism) (World War 0) Elite and their slaves: VIEDO
Paganism 5,000 years old: progressed organized religion and the state: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (Kings and the Rise of the State): VIEDO
Paganism 4,000 years old: related to “Anarchism and Socialism” (First Moralistic gods, then the Origin time of Monotheism): VIEDO
I do not hate simply because I challenge and expose myths or lies any more than others being thought of as loving simply because of the protection and hiding from challenge their favored myths or lies.
The truth is best championed in the sunlight of challenge.
An archaeologist once said to me “Damien religion and culture are very different”
My response, So are you saying that was always that way, such as would you say Native Americans’ cultures are separate from their religions? And do you think it always was the way you believe?
I had said that religion was a cultural product. That is still how I see it and there are other archaeologists that think close to me as well. Gods too are the myths of cultures that did not understand science or the world around them, seeing magic/supernatural everywhere.
I personally think there is a goddess and not enough evidence to support a male god at Çatalhöyük but if there was both a male and female god and goddess then I know the kind of gods they were like Proto-Indo-European mythology.
This series idea was addressed in, Anarchist Teaching as Free Public Education or Free Education in the Public: VIDEO
Our 12 video series: Organized Oppression: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of power (9,000-4,000 years ago), is adapted from: The Complete and Concise History of the Sumerians and Early Bronze Age Mesopotamia (7000-2000 BC): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szFjxmY7jQA by “History with Cy“
Show #1: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Samarra, Halaf, Ubaid)
Show #2: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power
Show #3: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Uruk and the First Cities)
Show #4: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (First Kings)
Show #5: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Early Dynastic Period)
Show #6: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power
Show #7: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Sargon and Akkadian Rule)
Show #9: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Gudea of Lagash and Utu-hegal)
Show #12: Mesopotamian State Force and the Politics of Power (Aftermath and Legacy of Sumer)
The “Atheist-Humanist-Leftist Revolutionaries”
Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ Atheist Leftist @Skepticallefty & I (Damien Marie AtHope) @AthopeMarie (my YouTube & related blog) are working jointly in atheist, antitheist, antireligionist, antifascist, anarchist, socialist, and humanist endeavors in our videos together, generally, every other Saturday.
Why Does Power Bring Responsibility?
Think, how often is it the powerless that start wars, oppress others, or commit genocide? So, I guess the question is to us all, to ask, how can power not carry responsibility in a humanity concept? I know I see the deep ethical responsibility that if there is power their must be a humanistic responsibility of ethical and empathic stewardship of that power. Will I be brave enough to be kind? Will I possess enough courage to be compassionate? Will my valor reach its height of empathy? I as everyone, earns our justified respect by our actions, that are good, ethical, just, protecting, and kind. Do I have enough self-respect to put my love for humanity’s flushing, over being brought down by some of its bad actors? May we all be the ones doing good actions in the world, to help human flourishing.
I create the world I want to live in, striving for flourishing. Which is not a place but a positive potential involvement and promotion; a life of humanist goal precision. To master oneself, also means mastering positive prosocial behaviors needed for human flourishing. I may have lost a god myth as an atheist, but I am happy to tell you, my friend, it is exactly because of that, leaving the mental terrorizer, god belief, that I truly regained my connected ethical as well as kind humanity.
Cory and I will talk about prehistory and theism, addressing the relevance to atheism, anarchism, and socialism.
At the same time as the rise of the male god, 7,000 years ago, there was also the very time there was the rise of violence, war, and clans to kingdoms, then empires, then states. It is all connected back to 7,000 years ago, and it moved across the world.
Cory Johnston: https://damienmarieathope.com/2021/04/cory-johnston-mind-of-a-skeptical-leftist/?v=32aec8db952d
The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist (YouTube)
Cory Johnston: Mind of a Skeptical Leftist @Skepticallefty
The Mind of a Skeptical Leftist By Cory Johnston: “Promoting critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics by covering current events and talking to a variety of people. Cory Johnston has been thoughtfully talking to people and attempting to promote critical thinking, social justice, and left-wing politics.” http://anchor.fm/skepticalleft
Cory needs our support. We rise by helping each other.
Cory Johnston ☭ Ⓐ @Skepticallefty Evidence-based atheist leftist (he/him) Producer, host, and co-host of 4 podcasts @skeptarchy @skpoliticspod and @AthopeMarie
Damien Marie AtHope (“At Hope”) Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist. Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Poet, Philosopher, Advocate, Activist, Psychology, and Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Historian.
Damien is interested in: Freedom, Liberty, Justice, Equality, Ethics, Humanism, Science, Atheism, Antiteism, Antireligionism, Ignosticism, Left-Libertarianism, Anarchism, Socialism, Mutualism, Axiology, Metaphysics, LGBTQI, Philosophy, Advocacy, Activism, Mental Health, Psychology, Archaeology, Social Work, Sexual Rights, Marriage Rights, Woman’s Rights, Gender Rights, Child Rights, Secular Rights, Race Equality, Ageism/Disability Equality, Etc. And a far-leftist, “Anarcho-Humanist.”
I am not a good fit in the atheist movement that is mostly pro-capitalist, I am anti-capitalist. Mostly pro-skeptic, I am a rationalist not valuing skepticism. Mostly pro-agnostic, I am anti-agnostic. Mostly limited to anti-Abrahamic religions, I am an anti-religionist.
To me, the “male god” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 7,000 years ago, whereas the now favored monotheism “male god” is more like 4,000 years ago or so. To me, the “female goddess” seems to have either emerged or become prominent around 11,000-10,000 years ago or so, losing the majority of its once prominence around 2,000 years ago due largely to the now favored monotheism “male god” that grow in prominence after 4,000 years ago or so.
My Thought on the Evolution of Gods?
Animal protector deities from old totems/spirit animal beliefs come first to me, 13,000/12,000 years ago, then women as deities 11,000/10,000 years ago, then male gods around 7,000/8,000 years ago. Moralistic gods around 5,000/4,000 years ago, and monotheistic gods around 4,000/3,000 years ago.
Damien Marie AtHope (Said as “At” “Hope”)/(Autodidact Polymath but not good at math):
Axiological Atheist, Anti-theist, Anti-religionist, Secular Humanist, Rationalist, Writer, Artist, Jeweler, Poet, “autodidact” Philosopher, schooled in Psychology, and “autodidact” Armchair Archaeology/Anthropology/Pre-Historian (Knowledgeable in the range of: 1 million to 5,000/4,000 years ago). I am an anarchist socialist politically. Reasons for or Types of Atheism
My Website, My Blog, & Short-writing or Quotes, My YouTube, Twitter: @AthopeMarie, and My Email: damien.marie.athope@gmail.com