Toss out the moderator for a better discussion

Here’s an interesting video – a discussion between Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss at the Australian National University recently.

I have a couple of thoughts about this event:

1. It really only took place because both speakers were in Australia for the recent Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne. I think this endorse a point made by one journalist that such conventions do have important spin-offs. Of course there are economic ones – and this convention, which attracted over 4000 participants, would have brought tourists and money into Melbourne and Australia generally. That’s why governments actually help fund events like this.
   But this journalist was also talking about the intellectual and cultural benefits the convention brought to the country. The in the country inevitably leads to other events – TV interviews, debates, lectures and discussions like this. This contributes to the intellectual and cultural life of the country.
2. Just look at how many people there were in the audience. it is gratifying to see top rate scientists creating such interest and drawing such crowds.
3. The format of the discussion. Richard Dawkins has for some time expressed disappointment in the debate and moderated argument format. He repeats his reasons at the beginning of this video. Consequently he has undertaken a number of unmoderated discussions along the lines of this one. Personally I think they are successful – and much prefer them to debates which can end up as just glorified verbal boxing matches. I welcome readers thoughts on these formats.
   I look forward to such an unmoderated discussion where the participants have stronger difference. I like to think it could be successful. What do you think?

Thanks to:  Richard Dawkins and Lawrence Krauss in conversation at ANU | The RiotACT.

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Atheists provoke a reaction

This one had to come, I guess.

For a while now there have been videos circulated of a scene from the 2004 film Downfall where Hilter “looses it.” They have been dubbed to produce parodies supporting different viewpoints – some I sympathise with (see Peer review – an emotional roller coaster), others I don’t.

But the silly reaction of many religious spokespeople to things like the atheist bus adverts was just asking to be ridiculed. In this video the subject is the Global Atheist Convention in Melbourne this March. Aussies, in particular, will probably appreciate some of the references to their politicians.

A bit of useful back story: Carl Wieland from the Creation Ministries International has attempted to muscle in on the convention with plans for a debate with some of the international speakers. He has been told to go away and organise his own thing. Contact individuals himself. And has typically reacted badly.

I enjoyed the video. Then again I would as I am registered to attend the convention (which is now booked out) and am looking forward to it.

YouTube – Hitler reacts to the Global Atheist Convention.

Thanks to PZ Myers at Another reaction from Carl Wieland to the Global Atheist Convention.

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