Science, Evolution and Atheism
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This episode is with Paul Zachary (PZ) Myers. He is an associate professor of biology at the University of Minnesota where he works in the field of developmental biology. He is also a founder and author of Pharyngula science blog. Here we talk about science based atheism, evolution of religion, god of gaps argument, origin and evolution of life, human values in the society, free speech and future of humanity.
About the guest
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:08 How did your scientific career started?
00:03:24 PZ's view on atheism
00:05:53 Science based atheism
00:08:29 Why we need to leave religion or God to become a scientist?
00:10:36 Preconceived biases because of faith
00:11:26 There's no clear definition of God
00:13:00 God of gaps argument
00:16:38 Can we bridge the gaps with science?
00:19:12 Transition of chemistry to biology (origin of life)
00:24:46 Evolution of life on the planet
00:29:06 Multicellularity and Sexual reproduction
00:34:59 Variation for natural selection
00:40:53 Role of chance in biology
00:44:45 Evolution-Development (Evo-Devo) biology
00:52:42 Hox genes
00:56:18 Evolutionary theory is most opposed theory!
00:59:07 Evolution of religion
01:01:58 Nature-nurture
01:04:38 Free will
01:07:28 Consciousness
01:12:58 Teleology (Purpose) in science
01:19:24 Religion in artificial intelligence
01:26:48 Morality and atheism
01:38:38 Meaning and purpose of life
01:41:31 Spirituality
01:46:07 Education and a dialogue
01:49:30 Thank you!