-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
Ursula and Ed, This alleged “raging debate” is what I mean about two very different discussions, one scientific and one decidedly not. And I still think it’s worth considering that what is driving the “intelligent design” discussions is a desire to “find a Home” or “feel like we Belong” in the vast universe. Very human — yearnings religions and…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
Your friend’s comments are helpful, Ursula. There have been two categorically different discussions going on, presented as scientific — or “scientific”. One is among people who just want to know what’s out there. The other is among people who want to feel connected to things like “the Universe.” The first is scientific. The second is not in any…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
Ed, are you the Ed Lantz with Vortex Immersion Media? If so, is there any of your “immersive media” in the Austin, TX area? Or San Antonio, Houston or Dallas area? Davidson Loehr
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
I want to revisit my original post, where I said that what Duane was doing was “sheer mysticism.” By “mysticism,” I mean emotional needs or certainties are driving the discussion, not intellectual data. Mystics — in religion, science, or anywhere else — start with their conclusion, then can see only the cherry-picked data that support it. This…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
Jon et al, There is something about a few people on a planet so small we can’t even imagine imagining its size relative to the universe — something about a few in this species treating the universe with reverence that is at least comical, isn’t it? On the other hand, I guess it’s like traditional believers extolling the virtues and infinite…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 2 months ago
Two points seem to belong here. First, it’s useful to remember — as Wittgenstein so tersely put it — that “Certainty is only an attitude.” Second, it’s useful to know the background of those posting opinions and comments in these discussions. Not all of us are scientists, and shouldn’t have our comments valued as though we were. To name just t…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Is the universe a "living system"? in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 3 months ago
Duane, I know you’re heavily invested in this, but the things you’re citing are neither scientific nor evidentiary for the argument that the universe is “living.” It’s a misuse of language, and an important one to clean up. “Living” and “Dead” are biological terms. Used elsewhere, they’re being used as metaphors. You use words in senses far more…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Big History and Religion in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 3 months ago
Other important clarifications are needed in the “science vs. religion” debates. Some current books and articles are on the theme of a “God-gene,” or the idea that we’re hard-wired for “religion” or “God.” No. We need an abiding sense of identity and purpose. Traditionally, religion and philosophy have claimed this discussion, but they are only…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr posted a new activity comment 9 years, 3 months ago
No. This is sheer mysticism. As such, it’s wishful thinking, but not very serious religion, and not science at all. Words like “living” and “dead” don’t deserve this treatment. They’re innocent things, both having their home in biology. To use “living” in a very broad metaphorical sense, as Duane does, makes it impossible to communicate using…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr wrote a new post, Looking Beyond Religion 9 years, 8 months ago
Two of our most enduring questions are “Who am I?” and “How should I live?” Sciences — especially ethology — can provide better answers than Biblical religions for the first question. The universe’s story — […]
-
Davidson Loehr posted a new activity comment 9 years, 8 months ago
Yes: where can we watch the video?
-
Davidson Loehr started the topic Big History and Religion in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 8 months ago
It’s both encouraging and humbling to learn that Dr. Montessori saw all this so clearly, and so long ago! I’m interested in religion and ethics (Who we are, and How we should live), and can easily map my thought style onto this:
1. Who we are: We can see this most easily through ethology, where we are one of the world’s Social Species. All ethic…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr replied to the topic Montessori Cosmic Education and the Planes of Development in the forum Deep Time Journey Forum 9 years, 8 months ago
It’s both encouraging and humbling to learn that Dr. Montessori saw all this so clearly, and so long ago! I’m interested in religion and ethics (Who we are, and How we should live), and can easily map my thought style onto this:
1. Who we are: We can see this most easily through ethology, where we are one of the world’s Social Species. All ethic…[Read more]
-
Davidson Loehr is now a Contributing Member 9 years, 8 months ago
-
Davidson Loehr became a registered member 9 years, 9 months ago
Search Forum
Courses
Sponsors
![](https://dtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/PIEL_logo_rgb_page-0001.jpg)
![](https://dtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/GM_tagline.png)
Gladwyne Montessori
![](https://dtnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/pcte_logo.jpg)
PCTEMONTESSORI.ORG
Want to Sponsor DTN? Click here.