Author
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Topic: Constant Claim: Scientist/academic=Atheist
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MangyTiger
Member (Idle past 6381 days) Posts: 989 From: Leicester, UK Joined: 07-30-2004
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Re: Atheism in science
Although true this isn't quite the whole story. The seven percent is from a group of "elite" scientists - the same survey carried out on a more general group of scientists gave a figure of forty percent who believed in God. This is the same result (give or take) that a survey carried out in 1916 came up with. Details are in the University Of Georgia Research Magazine. Larson discusses why the poll of the NAS members gave a much lower value than the one of general scientists. In a linked article he talks about the difference in results between different branches of science as well. Apparently physicists are less likely to believe, mathamagicians more likely. BTW creationistal, as you (like me) are fairly new here, I'll pass on a tip I realised while lurking here originally. If you post a reference to something it's always a good idea to have done some checking for related/conflicting information first. Often just a quick Google search is enough - I'd never heard of this before but I got my info just by putting "Edward Larson" into Google. Not doing this is a sure way to get jumped on by somebody here ! Second free tip - it's always better to try and get to the original source rather than a referencing one (and I know the Research Magazine isn't actually the primary source but it's close enough for me ).
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Zhimbo
Member (Idle past 6039 days) Posts: 571 From: New Hampshire, USA Joined: 07-28-2001
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Re: Atheism in science
Another study by Edward Larson, aimed more broadly, found that only 45% of scientists "disbelieve". Summary here: http://solon.cma.univie.ac.at/...m/sciandf/contrib/clari.txt
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Rei
Member (Idle past 7041 days) Posts: 1546 From: Iowa City, IA Joined: 09-03-2003
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Re: Atheism in science
That misrepresents the survey. Only 7% expressed belief in a *personal god*. 72.2% expressed disbelief in the same. For example of why this fails, Albert Einstein fell into that 72.2%, despite being a theist.
"Illuminant light, illuminate me."
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creationistal
Inactive Member
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Message 19 of 24 (145711)
09-29-2004 3:08 PM
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I see your point. I have no clue as to the numbers, but given what he was specifically asking for, I just skimmed google results to find something to answer with. :b -Justin
Replies to this message: | | Message 20 by crashfrog, posted 09-29-2004 3:09 PM | | creationistal has not replied |
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crashfrog
Member (Idle past 1495 days) Posts: 19762 From: Silver Spring, MD Joined: 03-20-2003
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I have no clue as to the numbers, but given what he was specifically asking for, I just skimmed google results to find something to answer with. :b It's our hope that your time here will, to a lesser or greater degree by our example and criticism, develop in you a greater rigor in your argumentation.
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creationistal
Inactive Member
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Message 21 of 24 (145715)
09-29-2004 3:14 PM
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Have no fear, it's already working. :b -Justin
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AdminAsgara
Administrator (Idle past 2330 days) Posts: 2073 From: The Universe Joined: 10-11-2003
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Hi creationistal. I've noticed that when you post a reply here, you have been using the big Post Reply button. Please read this link to some formatting help for our forum. It will explain why this isn't always appropriate. Another necessary read around here is our Forum Guidelines. Thanks http:// EvC Forum: Assistance w/ Forum Formatting AdminAsgara Queen of the Universe http://asgarasworld.bravepages.comhttp://perditionsgate.bravepages.com
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creationistal
Inactive Member
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Thanks for the info. I like the quote system here, very shic. -Justin
This message is a reply to: | | Message 22 by AdminAsgara, posted 09-29-2004 4:12 PM | | AdminAsgara has not replied |
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Chuck Diesel
Inactive Member
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Message 24 of 24 (145751)
09-29-2004 4:55 PM
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Reply to: Message 18 by Rei 09-29-2004 3:05 PM
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Re: Atheism in science
Rei writes: Albert Einstein fell into that 72.2%, despite being a theist. Here's something interesting - interpret it however you'd like:
quote: I do not believe in immortality of the individual, and I consider ethics to be an exclusively human concern with no superhuman authority behind it.
-- Albert Einstein, 1954, from Albert Einstein: The Human Side
quote: It seems to me that the idea of a personal God is an anthropological concept which I cannot take seriously. I also cannot imagine some will or goal outside the human sphere.... Science has been charged with undermining morality, but the charge is unjust. A man's ethical behavior should be based effectually on sympathy, education, and social ties and needs; no religious basis is necessary. Man would indeed be in a poor way if he had to be restrained by fear of punishment and hope of reward after death.
-- Albert Einstein, "Religion and Science," New York Times Magazine, 9 November 1930
quote: I cannot conceive of a personal God who would directly influence the actions of individuals, or would directly sit in judgment on creatures of his own creation. I cannot do this in spite of the fact that mechanistic causality has, to a certain extent, been placed in doubt by modern science. [He was speaking of Quantum Mechanics and the breaking down of determinism.] My religiosity consists in a humble admiration of the infinitely superior spirit that reveals itself in the little that we, with our weak and transitory understanding, can comprehend of reality. Morality is of the highest importance -- but for us, not for God.
-- Albert Einstein, from Albert Einstein: The Human Side
quote: It was, of course, a lie what you read about my religious convictions, a lie which is being systematically repeated. I do not believe in a personal God and I have never denied this but have expressed it clearly. If something is in me which can be called religious then it is the unbounded admiration for the structure of the world so far as our science can reveal it.
-- Albert Einstein, 1954, from Albert Einstein: The Human Side
This message is a reply to: | | Message 18 by Rei, posted 09-29-2004 3:05 PM | | Rei has not replied |
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