The very many questions-not-worth-their-own-thread question thread XXIII

[Arakhor]

God is a dick, apparently. That's usually the gist of these conversations.

Actually they use the existence of penguins as proof that God created the animals that way, as it's impossible for anything to adapt of the cold climate of Antarctica. I tried to say that Antarctica wasn't always cold, and that it became colder over time, but they dismissed it. One thing they always say is "Why would an animal want to change if it's perfectly happy the way it is?"

What's my prize?

 

[Borachio]

No, but my dad kind of does. The only other time I can go outside is when I walk my dog.

I can't properly understand what your situation is, Chukchi. It's far outside my experience. But I'd be walking my dog 8 hours a day, if I were you (which I'm not, obviously).

Actually they use the existence of penguins as proof that God created the animals that way, as it's impossible for anything to adapt of the cold climate of Antarctica. I tried to say that Antarctica wasn't always cold, and that it became colder over time, but they dismissed it. One thing they always say is "Why would an animal want to change if it's perfectly happy the way it is?"

I'd love to meet these people. They strike me as charmingly bonkers.

 

[Lohrenswald]

No, but my dad kind of does. The only other time I can go outside is when I walk my dog.

This is just getting worse and worse.

Actually they use the existence of penguins as proof that God created the animals that way, as it's impossible for anything to adapt of the cold climate of Antarctica. I tried to say that Antarctica wasn't always cold, and that it became colder over time, but they dismissed it. One thing they always say is "Why would an animal want to change if it's perfectly happy the way it is?"

"The way it is" isn't unchanging. They just rejected what you said without thought.
If these people really exist, I don't understand how you can stand them.

As for the philosophy question: I interpret it as to ask whether there is a definitive self unchanged by what's around it.

 

[sophie]

Actually they use the existence of penguins as proof that God created the animals that way, as it's impossible for anything to adapt of the cold climate of Antarctica. I tried to say that Antarctica wasn't always cold, and that it became colder over time, but they dismissed it. One thing they always say is "Why would an animal want to change if it's perfectly happy the way it is?"

Because animals do not control how they evolve, and it happens over millions of years. Otherwise I would have 4 arms, a 3.8 40 time, and be able to see in the dark. Organisms do not choose to evolve. Evolution happens because organisms capable of surviving in an environment long enough to reproduce will continue to exist, and those that aren't won't. It's as simple as that.

 

[Leoreth]

These people clearly have their idea of evolution from Pokemon.

 

[Dachs]

I'm still not convinced that these people even exist.

 

[madviking]

Nova problems.

 

[Arakhor]

I'm still not convinced that these people even exist.

That does appear to be a popular opinion around these parts.

 

[bhsup]

I'm still not convinced that these people even exist.

That does appear to be a popular opinion around these parts.

That's a roundabout way of calling Chukchi a liar.

 

[Borachio]

I can believe these people exist. I've met some very strange people.

Did I ever tell you about this guy I knew with a large curvy star tattooed on his forehead, who thought* he was John the Baptist, and kept a woman as a virtual slave? (Though she really only had herself to blame)

*Maybe he didn't, in fact, think this. It's not really possible for me to know for sure. But that tattoo: it was just slightly off centre, and for a long time he was seriously plotting to kill the tattooist.

*sigh* Happy days!

 

[Dachs]

That's a roundabout way of calling Chukchi a liar.

It takes one to know one.

 

[Borachio]

Wait, Dachs, you're claiming to be a liar?!

Why should I believe you?

 

[Dachs]

Believe what you like.

 

[Borachio]

I like to believe people.

 

[Arakhor]

Wait, Dachs, you're claiming to be a liar?!

He's a historian. Draw your own conclusions!

 

[Chukchi Husky]

I can't properly understand what your situation is, Chukchi. It's far outside my experience. But I'd be walking my dog 8 hours a day, if I were you (which I'm not, obviously).

I think at most I can take him out is about 3 hours a day, but that depends if there is anyone at home who can let me back in. If no one else is in, or no one inside who can be bothered to open the door, then I can't take the dog out, as I'm not allowed a key.

As for the philosophy question: I interpret it as to ask whether there is a definitive self unchanged by what's around it.

I never took philosophy at school. I went with science and history (but I gave up on that when it ended up being just about Nazis for three years), and they were the ones who went for RE, philosophy and ethics.

Because animals do not control how they evolve, and it happens over millions of years. Otherwise I would have 4 arms, a 3.8 40 time, and be able to see in the dark. Organisms do not choose to evolve. Evolution happens because organisms capable of surviving in an environment long enough to reproduce will continue to exist, and those that aren't won't. It's as simple as that.

I tried to explain it to them, but it never worked. I tried using the example of dog breeding to show that the mechanism exists, but they dismissed it as it was caused by man.

These people clearly have their idea of evolution from Pokemon.

I guess that might be part of it, as some of them did grow up playing Pokémon, but one of them refused to have anything to do with it as it saw it as a fad.

 

[Borachio]

I think at most I can take him out is about 3 hours a day, but that depends if there is anyone at home who can let me back in. If no one else is in, or no one inside who can be bothered to open the door, then I can't take the dog out, as I'm not allowed a key.

I honestly don't understand. You surely know approximately what time people will be back home. (Though why they don't allow you a key I don't know. Perhaps you've a tendency to lose them. Isn't there one kept hidden outside for emergencies? Most people have one.) So, in summer (or winter even) I'd be happy enough walking a dog for 8 hours a day (or even longer, and I bet the dog would be only too happy), and time my return for when someone's there.

Still, as must be obvious, my understanding of your situation is extremely shaky.

I tried to explain it to them, but it never worked. I tried using the example of dog breeding to show that the mechanism exists, but they dismissed it as it was caused by man.

Yes. I've tried arguing evolution with creationists. It's a lost cause. I don't do it any longer.

 

[Arakhor]

Yes. I've tried arguing evolution with creationists. It's a lost cause. I don't do it any longer.

Of course. It's their religion.

 

[Borachio]

But why is creationism a religion? I can't see how it qualifies. It just looks like a failed scientific theory to me.

 

[Arakhor]

It's in the Bible: Genesis 1 & 2. For many Christians, that's all that's necessary. As a point of faith, that's entirely their prerogative, but when misguided zealots try to have it replace biology, physics, chemistry, geology and the like, that is completely indefensible.