Introduction Science works. When one makes a prediction using a well established scientific theory it gets confirmed by observation. A scientific theory can be labelled successful “if it makes substantially correct predictions, if it leads to efficacious interventions in the natural order, if it passes a battery of standard tests”1. So why are theories so … Read more
I am going to argue that evolutionary theory can explain morality in natural terms and this motivates the anti realist position. In particular I will be focusing on Richard Joyce’s argument from genealogical debunking. Russ Shafer-Landau has objected to Joyce and has put forth contentions. I will address these and argue that Joyce’s overall argument … Read more
Did Evolution Make Us Into Psychological Egoists? I will be making the case that there is no reason to suppose that evolution has made us into psychological egoists. Sober and Wilson1 put forward four compelling arguments to motivate psychological altruism; pluralistic structure of altruism, generation of sufficient emotions, belief emotion dependency and maladaptive updating. Each of … Read more
Abstract: Miriam Schleifer McCormick argues that we should want to form true beliefs only because of the instrumental value they possess. Recently Trevor Hedberg has challenged this view. Using the method of reflective equilibrium he argues that the value of true beliefs is best understood as intrinsically valuable. He points out that people pursue bitter … Read more
Abstract: Elizabeth Lloyd has objected to Methodological Adaptationism (MA) on the grounds that it misleads Science, so she is trying to motivate the idea that it can be replaced with an Evolutionary Factors (EF) framework. Her main argument is that the latter framework is more fruitful for scientific discoveries than MA. However, fruitfulness is a vague term, and she … Read more
By Abdur Rahman This is a response to AronRa’s video “Racial Darwinism”. My intention is not to just refute him – there are plenty of refutations of him, here and here – but rather to educate the Muslims. My intention is also to make a video with Subboor on this topic and thus this article … Read more
“It is beyond doubt that the Darwin was right! Evolution created us – not God.” exclaims the speaker. The packed lecture theatre nods in agreement. “Only ignorant people deny these scientific proofs!” as he concludes his full day presentation on Darwin’s theory of evolution. You have just been shown evidence from anatomy, fossils, embryology, genetics, bioinformatics and biogeography. … Read more
News of a heart-warming exchange between a Pakistani air traffic controller and Air India made headlines this week. Indian news outlet NDTV reported on the event, quoting the operator’s words, “we are proud of you”. Isn’t it wonderful that in difficult times even adversaries come together for the common good? This is nothing new: human … Read more