thinktoomuch.net

There are various uses of the word “evolution”. Some talk about “Stellar Evolution” when referring to the development of stars. (Carl Sagan does this.) Others complain the word is too widely used, and is losing its meaning, suggesting we should only use it to refer to biological evolution. (I’m under the impression that Stephen Jay [...]

[Read more →]

Thursday saw a small social gathering of four friends, but also an event that I’d like to dub the first official “Think Too Much” gathering. (Yuck, I need a better name for that.) Oh, and no, it wasn’t official at all, it really was just a couple of friends that joined me as I was [...]

[Read more →]

A recent email exchange with a creationist brought up this sentiment again:
He has to believe in evolution because that is the career he chose. He sucked up what they told him.
This creationist tactic is disingenuous. They are taught that the reason scientists accept evolution, is because they would not otherwise get a job, and thereby [...]

[Read more →]

From the sound of it, South Africa has only very recently started teaching evolutionary theory in schools. I only recently started noticing how few people really know much about it. (Humans often assume that everyone knows what you know… agree or disagree?)
Here is an opportunity to learn more about evolution:
Greetings Freethinkers!
Tuesday 12 February is Darwin [...]

[Read more →]

In my second pass around the stalls, I came across another two Christian societies: Vineyard Christian Fellowship and Stellenbosch Baptist Students. I also failed to mention TBT — The Bible Talks — associated with The Church of England in South Africa. (Oh, and I also neglected to mention Die Voortrekkers / Staatmakers.)
I was hoping to [...]

[Read more →]

On Thursday, 18 October, there will be a lecture titled “Wat is Evolusie en Maak Dit Regtig Saak?” in Stellenbosch. (Translated: “What is Evolution and Does It Really Matter?”) Read on for more details.

[Read more →]

Pharyngula started a particularly interesting mutating meme experiment, or possibly just a fun little game. I end the post with an attempt to draw some parallels with genetics, evolution and natural selection.

[Read more →]

In some circles there is great conflict about “creation versus evolution”. The debate is a Vietnam. (While some see the Vietnam War as a civil war between communists and non-communist factions, it may also be seen as a Cold War conflict between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.)
As Wikipedia points out, “other fields of science, [...]

[Read more →]

Yup, here goes. Lets see if I can tackle something like this without letting it get time-consuming…
For my international readers, a little background on why this relevant to me: I’m studying at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. Stellenbosch is situated about 50km from Cape Town. The town is host not only to a University, but also [...]

[Read more →]