That said, a lot can be learned from attempts to find root causes. Very interesting information can be collected, if not always properly connected.

Of the critiques leveled against Diamonds theory, one that is completely irrelevant in the evaluation of the truth of his theory is that of the social (i.e. racial) implications. Whether, as Diamonds advocates claim, his theory dispels racial prejudices, or as the detractors claim it promotes racism the implications of an argument have no relevance in evaluating the soundness of the logic applied or the accuracy of the DATA reasoned from. I believe Henry Farrell is quoted as saying something along these lines in one of the articles Aimmee posted.

Sensitivity to the social impact of a theory being adopted is important, but has no place in the analysis of an argument. The sciences must strive to remain unprejudiced by social bias, including the bias to treat everyone equitably.

Ideas do have consequences, which is all the more reason to make sure the reasoning is sound, both in the formation of the theory and the critical response to the theory.

I should perhaps add, I understand that not all of the race based arguments for or against Diamond’s theories are employing unsound reasoning. Because ideas of race are entwined in Diamond’s argument, evaluating his ideas of race is a necessary part of evaluating the premises and presuppositions he is reasoning from. There is a difference however between judging an argument by the strength of the argument and judging and argument by the desirability or the unpleasantness of its implications – a difference that is often missed.

Thanks for the great posts!

I worked on a show a number of years ago called “Peace, Propaganda & The Promise Land.”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCL6WdnuNp4

Bathsheba Ratzkoff worked on the film against her family’s wishes. She started out with an Israeli’s point of view but found herself forced to recognize the injustice that was occurring under the watch of the “most persecuted people on earth.”

I truly value the Jewish culture of support of education, tolerance, and giving to others. The handling of the Palestinian issue just does not match up with everything else good that I’ve ever learned or known about the Jewish culture.

It is extremely annoying when right wingers complain Obama or the news are anti-Israeli. They have no idea how incredibly PRO-Israeli all the information we receive truly is.

I’m definitely NOT saying I’m against Israel in the issue, I’m just saying that the reporting we get on it is very slanted.

One fine day a jolly little fellow was walking along the path when he came upon a surprising discovery along the way. “Bless me, it’s a watch.” He said.
And a fine watch it was! The band and bezel were made of the purest gold. The crystal was just that, crystal. Each number was encrusted in diamonds the hands inlaid with jade. “This is more than a watch,” the little fellow gushed, “it is a beautiful piece of jewelry. It makes my heart fill with joy just by the mere sight of it.”
He put the watch on his wrist and it felt so good that he remarked out loud, “What fine workmanship this is! Surely, I am blessed above all men to have such good fortune.” Then on he walked until he came to his humble little home. “Look how I have been blessed this day!” He said to his wife and young son as he showed his prize. As they all admired it, their hearts were full of wonder, and astonishment at its beauty.
As the days past into weeks and the weeks to years the jolly little fellow grew more and more enraptured with the time piece. “I am sore amazed,” thought he, “this beautiful watch has kept perfect time for all these years and never missed a beat. Without a doubt and no mistaking it, the fellow who made this watch was a master of his trade. “
Many years passed and with them came trials, pains and sorrows, loss and sadness, but always when the little fellow looked at the watch his heart was lightened and his joy was made full. Finally the day came when he felt that his time on earth was drawing to a close and he called his son to his bedside, “ Son,” said he, “I have lived long on this earth and suffered many things, but always I have had three things that brought me joy. Your mother, God rest her soul, you, my son, and this wonderful watch.”
“But why father why such love for the watch?” asked the young man.
“It has never ceased to amaze me the ingenuity, the craftsmanship and the art that went into its creation,” responded the jolly little old man. “I want you to have it now so that it will bring you the joy it has afforded me.”
The very next day the son burst into the father’s room with great agitation and excitement.
“Father, father,” he cried, “I have done it! I have done it!”
“What have you done my son, my darling boy?”
“Last night I opened the watch and studied its parts! I was amazed to see how complex and precise the works are. Hundreds of tiny pieces so perfectly matched so intricately intertwined, each part essential to the whole, all parts working together flawlessly. Even the materials used are perfect for ensuring its faultless operation! I have never seen anything so amazing!”
In his weakened state the old man smiled and asked, “What have you learned of its creator?”
“That’s just it,” the son exclaimed, “now that I understand it so well I see that there is no need for a creator it just is!”
With that, the old man turned to the wall and died.

Speaking of Before the Dawn, has anybody seen this new Sex at Dawn book? I dislike evolutionary explanations about why we do anything in general, but enjoy the fact that this book says the opposite stuff of the rest of them. I am amused.

One must face the fact, however, that technological advances can be retarded, but seldom stopped. One must also face the fact that advances will be weaponized. There is little that can be done to stop such changes, but the changes can at least be supervised by the public and regulated, if the public insists vehemently enough that they have a voice in the matter.

In regard to the issue of disparity between the haves and have nots, the enhanced and the natural, there will always be those who have a resource advantage, whether the advantage be living near fresh water vs a dry region, or the advantage takes the form of being born into a wealthy family with ample funds for premium health care, nutritious food and the best schools. The fact that there will be disparity, in my mind is not a compelling reason to impede technology. It is reason however to thoughtfully explore ways of forming social groups intent on protecting the disadvantaged.

New York Times science writer Nicholas Wade’s book ‘Before the Dawn’ covers some of this, as does the more recent ‘The 10,000 Year Explosion: How Civilization Accelerated Human Evolution’.