How can we study geology and evolution without a time machine?

Creationists and others skeptical of modern science often assert that short of having a time machine, it is impossible to know with any confidence any events of the distant past. For example, creationist Ken Ham has argued that the big bang and the theory of evolution are only “theories,” because no one was around to

Continue reading How can we study geology and evolution without a time machine?

December 30th, 2011 | Category: Essays | Comments are closed

The great decline of Western society: What are the facts?

One of the most common refrains in news and commentaries, from both the religious right and the secular left, is that modern society is in sharp decline: skyrocketing rates of crime, divorce, teenage sex, teenage births, drug abuse and war (especially in the 20th century). There is also concern that modern society’s focus on science

Continue reading The great decline of Western society: What are the facts?

December 21st, 2011 | Category: Essays | Comments are closed

The remarkable decline of violence

Many will greet the title of this piece with considerable skepticism — in this day and age how could one possibly talk about a decline in violence? Yet it is true. Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker begins his new book The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined as follows:

This book is about

Continue reading The remarkable decline of violence

December 13th, 2011 | Category: Essays | Comments are closed