David Boots

Interesting that you mention math as good training. I like the idea of teaching thinking indirectly – simply because it is more appealing. The trouble with maths is that a lot of people ‘lose it’ very early on (if they ever get it at all).

I did a couple of courses of computer progamming back in the day and was impressed with just how much it…[Read more]

I agree and I would add that we can change this culture and that the change can simply be by not co-operating with the paradigm. Peaceful paradigm resistance!

Belle Rose wrote:

Santa Claus is a fictional character. God is not.

Dear Belle I admire your gumption.

I suggest the obligations flowing from being a parent go further than just the economic costs. But sticking with the economic consequences for a moment. In some jurisdictions a parent is liable for the negligent actions of a child. Let us say the child turns out to be a pyromaniac. At age 14 he burns down a factory worth say $8 million dollars. T…[Read more]

Strega not about me… but it is a useful example for discussing morality. It is a matter shortly to be looked at by the courts; crim and civil. Stay tuned for what they say – give it 2 years or so. This may go to the high court. My opinion is this:

– the unauthorised use of DNA concerns me – but it is hard to articulate why. It seems to me more…[Read more]

Sorry for the confusion Belle.

To be clear – in this scenario – she does in fact forge paperwork and she does so after knowing her partner refuses to go ahead with the process.

Would it change your opinion if you now know that the woman used another woman’s egg and thus has no genetic contribution to the child?

I think most people would think there are bigger issues than hurt feelings.

Think about this aspect… didn’t the man – given that he recognised the relationship was deteriorating – make the responsible choice to decide not to have a second child? Was it not – in that context – irresponsible and selfish of the mother to do what she did?

Just to clarify the scenario. The man signs the paperwork and provides his semen. Before the semen is introduced to the egg consent is again required. He refuses to consent.

The rape scenario is raised for the following point. Most people would agree that a woman who is raped and conceives, should be allowed to have an abortion.

I do think that collectively atheists have allowed theists to dictate the nomenclature of everyday life. I really cringe when I hear people say ‘miracle’ when they mean lucky or fortunate. Or when they say ‘pray for’ when they really mean hope for.

Hmmm…. doesn’t this raise the concept of positive consent? Modern consent law says silence is not consent and it also says consent must be informed and you must be capable of consent (so not drunk / disabled etc.) Consent is also an ongoing agreement. That is consent can be withdrawn.

For example two people start consensual sex. One wants to…[Read more]

What if the implication of being registered as the father is the inescapable obligation to pay for the upbringing of the child?

Update: the mother asks the registry of births to put the husband down on the birth certificate. Should they do it?

Welcome. Can I recommend Undeniable by Bill Nye to start with. I think you will find only a few of us eat babies and even then only on special occasions.

Belle the problem with ‘grace’, as you define it, is this.

If a supernatural force has given you some sort of favour then this supernatural force must have denied some other person that favour. I am sure you can think of many examples of apparently random events adversely affecting us that are capricious and arbitrary.

Two people are in a car…[Read more]

Belle I am not sure what you mean by grace?

One dictionary says ‘grace’ is defined as:

1. smoothness and elegance of movement
2. courteous good will
3. a period officially allowed for payment of a sum due or for compliance

Which definition do you mean?