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Richard Dawkins - In Conversation (NCH, 5th June, 8pm)

2

Comments

  • #32
    paddyzk
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,286 ✭✭✭paddyzk


    Feck ya JC,feck ya


  • #33
    Gbear
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,775 ✭✭✭✭Gbear


    Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »
    I found that The God Delusion helped me clarify all the doubts I had, but that I couldn't clarify by myself. I'm a reasonably smart guy, but after a catholic upbringing I found it difficult to reason out exactly why the concept of god didn't make sense to me, even though I knew there was something amiss with it.

    I'd definitely pick up a copy. Christopher Hitchen's 'God is not Great' is also excellent, and more of an 'entertaining' read.

    Also, my girlfriend picked up tickets to this as a present, so we'll be there :) Hope it's a good night!

    There was an interesting trend in my secondary school - when I was in 3rd Year I was more or less the only overt atheist. It was my "thing".
    Then, when the God Delusion came out, a few more started springing up.
    I think some people deride the effects that these kinds of books have (or don't have) but, at least in my experience, it did affect many people around me who read it.
    These were smart, rational people who for the most part were good critical thinkers so they probably would've got there in the end but it definitely seemed to push them along.
    When you're 16 something that can focus your thoughts on a subject can be quite powerful.


  • #34
    Beruthiel
    Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators Posts: 42,361 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beruthiel


    Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »
    I'd definitely pick up a copy. Christopher Hitchen's 'God is not Great' is also excellent, and more of an 'entertaining' read.

    And perhaps to round it off, Sam Harris, Letter to a Christian Nation.


  • #35
    Galvasean
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30,746 ✭✭✭✭Galvasean


    Northclare wrote: »
    I am a believer but not in a religious sense I might be more instinctively pagan but on my own journey I just love the earth universe etc but that's my thing.
    When I'm reading posts from the Atheism forums I found from taking a back seat, Ye have a sense of humor and don't push your views on other's.
    So ill take back anything I said that brought down the decorum or messed up your discussions etc.

    Wahey! somebody finally gets our humor! :D


  • #36
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,466 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    wonton wrote: »
    was just gonna get my ticket tomorrow!
    I believe a few more tickets have become available:

    http://www.dublinwritersfestival.com/event/richard-dawkins-in-conversation


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  • #37
    pts
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 576 ✭✭✭pts


    robindch wrote: »
    I believe a few more tickets have become available:

    http://www.dublinwritersfestival.com/event/richard-dawkins-in-conversation

    Cheers Robindch, I only noticed this event after it was sold out, but thanks to you I've got a ticket! :D


  • #38
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    pts wrote: »
    Cheers Robindch, I only noticed this event after it was sold out, but thanks to you I've got a ticket! :D

    Me too,Thanks Robindch

    Jeez I cant believe you guys were reading The God Delusion in 3rd year of secondary school,I was still reading sweet valley high then!


  • #39
    wonton
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭wonton


    feck was sold out by the time I made it to town :mad:


    If anyone finds out they cant make it and is selling their ticket feel free to pm me:o


  • #40
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,466 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    There might be a few tickets for this still available -- check out Atheist Ireland's page on facebook:

    http://www.facebook.com/AtheistIreland

    Anybody on for a beer before meeting up? Then post here!


  • #41
    MagicMarker
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    I actually might not be able to make it myself. So I might have a ticket for someone...


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  • #42
    Gumbi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,682 ✭✭✭Gumbi


    Gbear wrote: »
    Jimmy Bottlehead wrote: »
    I found that The God Delusion helped me clarify all the doubts I had, but that I couldn't clarify by myself. I'm a reasonably smart guy, but after a catholic upbringing I found it difficult to reason out exactly why the concept of god didn't make sense to me, even though I knew there was something amiss with it.

    I'd definitely pick up a copy. Christopher Hitchen's 'God is not Great' is also excellent, and more of an 'entertaining' read.

    Also, my girlfriend picked up tickets to this as a present, so we'll be there :) Hope it's a good night!

    There was an interesting trend in my secondary school - when I was in 3rd Year I was more or less the only overt atheist. It was my "thing".
    Then, when the God Delusion came out, a few more started springing up.
    I think some people deride the effects that these kinds of books have (or don't have) but, at least in my experience, it did affect many people around me who read it.
    These were smart, rational people who for the most part were good critical thinkers so they probably would've got there in the end but it definitely seemed to push them along.
    When you're 16 something that can focus your thoughts on a subject can be quite powerful.
    That surprises me. I started approaching atheism in recent times, based mostly on critical thinking, and watching debates on YouTube. I realised the religious continued to repeat the same BS over and over again. None of their arguments convinced me. If I'd read The God Delusion as a 15 year old, I'm not sure I'd have been convinced. Society had moulded me into a strong believer.

    I'm 19 now, my brother beat me to atheism about 6 months before me, and he's a year and a half younger than me. I've been an atheist for perhaps 6 months now. (He's remarkably intelligent, though) I guess it takes time for one's critical thinking faculties to fully develop.


  • #43
    Dades
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 25,617 Mod ✭✭✭✭Dades


    I don't think developing critical thinking has much to do with it.

    When I was in school I was more concerned with sport, gurls and getting into pubs. The concerns of religion were far from my mind.


  • #44
    Gumbi
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,682 ✭✭✭Gumbi


    Dades wrote: »
    I don't think developing critical thinking has much to do with it.

    When I was in school I was more concerned with sport, gurls and getting into pubs. The concerns of religion were far from my mind.
    I think it was for me. I was a very open minded person, but went to mass every week believed in most of the teachings of the Church etc. Because it was so engrained I didn't really bother questioning it, at least not until I was able to think more independAntly.


  • #45
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    Does it start at 8 tomorrow??


  • #46
    MisterEpicurus
    Closed Accounts Posts: 588 ✭✭✭MisterEpicurus


    panda100 wrote: »
    Does it start at 8 tomorrow??

    Yes


  • #47
    carlmango11
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭carlmango11


    Someone give me their ticket.

    thx.


  • #48
    MagicMarker
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 32,865 ✭✭✭✭MagicMarker


    carlmango11 wrote: »
    Someone give me their ticket.

    thx.
    You can have mine if you can pay by paypal, mine's an eticket so I can just email it to you.


  • #49
    Stargazer7
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 375 ✭✭Stargazer7


    Anyone have on spare they're willing to sell?


  • #50
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,466 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Stargazer7 wrote: »
    Anyone have on spare they're willing to sell?
    I'd say at this point, if you're not far away, it's probably worth just turning up and seeing if there's any seats available. AI did say a few days ago that they had some spare tickets and I'm sure they'll be around in the foyer somewhere!


  • #51
    wonton
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,214 ✭✭✭wonton


    Id say rather than just turn up, just get your ass there asap , cos its first come first serve on the day the guy in the booth told me anyway


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  • #52
    Ush1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,466 ✭✭✭✭Ush1


    My mate was there at around half four and they told him they had two tickets left and he bought one.


  • #53
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 3,598 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Anyone know what time it's finished?


  • #54
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,466 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Well, lots and lots of people here. No sign of any obviously religious clothing though.

    Just spotted Ray Darcy. And, oh look, there's John May of specious nonsense fame - hope he asks a question!


  • #55
    Turtwig
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 26,578 ✭✭✭✭Turtwig


    robindch wrote: »
    Well, lots and lots of people here. No sign of any obviously religious clothing though.

    Just spotted Ray Darcy. And, oh look, there's John May of specious nonsense fame - hope he asks a question!

    Seriously gotta ask is JC there?


  • #56
    MrPudding
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,779 ✭✭✭MrPudding


    Jernal wrote: »
    Seriously gotta ask is JC there?
    Does anyone know what it looks like?

    MrP


  • #57
    robindch
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 24,466 Mod ✭✭✭✭robindch


    Can't see her. Whew.

    Almost a full house. Am a bit worried that Mr Specious Nonsense is here with a bunch of books and is directly overlooking the two boyos.

    Unless they're facing the back wall, I'm goin to have a great view of the backs of their heads.


  • #58
    carlmango11
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,019 ✭✭✭carlmango11


    Why did I check back on this so late.


  • #59
    Sarky
    Closed Accounts Posts: 31,967 ✭✭✭✭Sarky


    I presume Mr. May needs to try and flog more books or his publisher will take his kneecaps?

    Or is he planning to fling them at the stage like a monkey flings poo?


  • #60
    panda100
    Closed Accounts Posts: 7,551 ✭✭✭panda100


    robindch wrote: »
    Can't see her. Whew.

    Almost a full house. Am a bit worried that Mr Specious Nonsense is here with a bunch of books and is directly overlooking the two boyos.

    Unless they're facing the back wall, I'm going to have a great view of the backs of their heads.

    Well I had a great view of the back of Dawkins head all evening. That's what I get for booking the cheapo tickets!

    Very enjoyable evening.I thought William Crawly was pretty decent interviewer as well.

    What did the boardsies think?


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  • #61
    cormy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 102 ✭✭cormy


    Highly enjoyable, but I'm a fan anyway. I didn't stick around to have my book signed by him (the queue was literally 'out the door' by the time I got to the foyer). Anyone know if he's doing any signings tomorrow in Easons/Hodges Figgis/Anywhere?


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