Topic suggestions

[Aught3]

So I caught the last bit of the July 4th show and it turned into a discussion on the usefulness of philosophy and the nature of science. I thought this was really interesting and would like to suggest 'What is science' or 'What is the nature of science' for a future show (assuming you are taking suggestions).

 

[JustBusiness17]

So I caught the last bit of the July 4th show and it turned into a discussion on the usefulness of philosophy and the nature of science. I thought this was really interesting and would like to suggest 'What is science' or 'What is the nature of science' for a future show (assuming you are taking suggestions).

I was going to start a thread like this but didn't really know what the point of the show was. Assuming they're open to discussing all things rational, the forums are a rich source of popular topics. It helps integrate the show with the community website while demonstrating the wide ranging uses for critical thinking.


If I had to make a personal request, I'd love to hear some of the scientists take a stab at topics concerning business and economics. For me, learning Business has been just as profound to shaping my world view as Physics was back in high school. The world makes more sense and I've found it endlessly useful for understanding both religion and politics. DPR's legal background probably puts him as the reigning champion of this subject, but it's hard to say...

 

[Doc.]

So I caught the last bit of the July 4th show and it turned into a discussion on the usefulness of philosophy and the nature of science. I thought this was really interesting and would like to suggest 'What is science' or 'What is the nature of science' for a future show (assuming you are taking suggestions).

I missed the second half of it :evil: it would be nice to hear that part if anybody has a recording or something...

on the topic, isn't "what is science" a bit too general? It's worth considering to pick specific fields of science (evolutionary biology, astronomy, quantum physics etc.) and perhaps even some issues from philosophy.

 

[Nelson]

on the topic, isn't "what is science" a bit too general? It's worth considering to pick specific fields of science (evolutionary biology, astronomy, quantum physics etc.) and perhaps even some issues from philosophy.

I think the idea would be to talk about scientific methodology, not the body of knowledge discovered through this method. If this is the case, then I think this would be a fantastic topic for an upcoming show. I may be a bit optimistic, but I've always thought that arguing for the use of the scientific method would be more effective than presenting all of the evidence for evolution, cosmology, etc. Ideally you convince people that science is the way to understand reality, and then they discover the correct answers on their own. Of course, it is never that simple, but I still think this is a topic worth discussing.

 

[Case]

I'd have to agree, sounds more like the topic of a lecture. Still useful, but I'm not sure if it works for the format of a call-in show.

 

[AndromedasWake]

The topic feature might not be continued - there was some disagreement as to whether it helped or not, though I'm inclined to believe the best calls we got were related to the topic.

I think the next show might be completely different in format! Going to have to wait and see what happens over the next week or so.

 

[Case]

There is an epic call-in show in Germany which alternates between topic days and 'free for all' days, I think that might be another option.

 

[wolfrayet]

What about some discussion on Religious Worship in schools? Would be interesting to hear views from both sides of the fence about this - maybe touch on why we think it's important or not for kids to go to RE Class or have them removed for example? (Which actually isn't as easy as some people may think)

According to teachernet.gov:

The importance of religious education in all schools is stated in Religious Education in English schools: non statutory guidance 2010:

'Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. RE is an important subject in itself, developing an individual's knowledge and understanding of the religions and beliefs which form part of contemporary society. Religious education provokes challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, the self and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong, and what it means to be human. It can:

"¢develop pupils' knowledge and understanding of Christianity, of other principal religions, other religious traditions and worldviews that offer answers to questions such as these.

Is it good for them socially to have an understanding or do you think it warps the young mind?

Some good information on the Humanists site - http://www.humanism.org.uk/education/parents/worship-your-rights

Some facts from this side of the pond:

Over 4800 schools in England are Church of England schools. . The greater proportion are primary schools and this represents about 25% of all state primary schools There are around 227 secondary schools 27 of which are academies. - http://www.re-handbook.org.uk/section/schools/christian-schools/church-of-england-schools

There are over 140 Full-time Muslim schools in the UK & over 700 Part-time. (100 in London alone)
AMS UK - Association of Muslim Schools UK - http://www.ams-uk.org/

The AMS Mission Statement describes the purpose of AMS:

"The AMS guided by the Qur'an and the Sunnah, will strive with sincerity to represent, inspire, motivate, support and build capacity in institutions, so that they become centres of excellence. The AMS will endeavour to support institutions to develop sustainable approaches and strategies that cultivate productive and transformative leadership with an aim to provide holistic education to all learners so that they:
"¢ attain taqwa and ihsan;
"¢ love the ways of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW);
"¢ love learning and the pursuit of academic excellence;
"¢ develop effective leadership skills;
"¢ attain their full potential;
"¢ contribute positively to their own well-being and that of their families, communities, society and environment."

Would be great to get a Muslims perspective too - if possible?

 

[Case]

That would be an awesome topic, wolf. :shock:

 

[Aught3]

Just to be clear I was thinking the topic should be about what separates science and scientific methodology from things like pseudo-science, alternative medicine, and religious beliefs. What exactly is this thing we call science?