Friday, October 10, 2008

Why Are We Here - Richard Dawkins

In this short documentary, Dawkins takes a look at the purpose of human existance and asks the earthshaking question - Why are we here?




Pointing out that religious stories of human purpose fail miserably, Dawkins indicates that science may be able to offer a better explaination for human existance. Starting out with Darwin, he claims that Darwin's theory of evolution may offer the only explaination for humanity's raison d'état that we are likely to ever get.




Many religious believers may claim that answers for our existance offered by evolution theory mean that humans are nothing special, that we are just another species of animal. They are, of course, correct in saying that we are just another animal species but this does not necessarily mean that are not special.





Clearly humans are different from our animal brothers in that we have the ability to ask questions like why are we here. This also means, however, that with our 'specialness' comes extraordinary responsibilities. This brilliant documentary helps clarify some of the arguments made by evolution and is in no way just more of the same from Dawkins.

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

All is one ...and "God" is the energy of the universe guiding evolution and creating and recycling life. If man's ego keeps pushing against this truth... then nature (the nature of God/Energy) will balance itself by kicking people out of the game of life altogether. An ignorant self-congratulating stupidity-driven extinction. The truth is not in religion -- but it is also not in atheism. It is beyond both.

We all are pieces of God. We are non-physical observers within a brain/body experience. The purpose of life is to enjoy life while you have it.

Anonymous said...

Oh please. Like we need another unprovable theory about life.

We are observers because of our physical brain/body, not that the brain/body exist because we are observers. You've got it backwards koele.

Anonymous said...

Keole, you're just like ancients who sacrificed virgins to their gods. You do the same, only now you simply sacrifice your mind.

Anonymous said...

everybody thinks they have the answer that they are right. be content with what you believe and respect that others have different beliefs, because we r all individuals arent we?

Anonymous said...

Yes you are correct - everyone has the right to be ignorant.

Unknown said...

I do not agree, for too long Atheists have been the victims of "respect for beliefs". Religion people publicly attack us, and we can't attack back in the same socially acceptable way. Because of this respect, the debate has been rigged in theists favour. Whenever we back them to a corner, they just say "well this is my Belief" and we feel like we have to back off.

I say we take one more step and say, "your belief is based on nothing objective. and the fact that you are so convinced, makes me question your intelligence."

mattyabsley said...

I do find it amusing that people like koele and others think they have an opinion on the matter. Like their opinions actually count for anything.

Truth is irrespective of your ignorant, ill educated, oooh i am special, ahhh but my spiritual side, all opinions are equal, respect my belief bullshit.

If the world is so, accept it or prove it otherwise but spare us the pseudo intellectualism.