Minister for Anti-Evolution?
September 14, 2010 1:23 AM Subscribe
The Minister for Science is launching a book against evolution--whaaaat?!! No comment seems necessary. I should add that because of the outcry the Minister has since withdrawn from the launch.
This post was deleted for the following reason: One link to a tiny news blurb is more of a spit-take than an actual mefi post. -- cortex
It'd help if someone could edit the post to make clear whose minister - I was wondering why I hadn#t heard David Willetts on the radio this morning!
posted by mippy at 1:35 AM on September 14, 2010 [3 favorites]
posted by mippy at 1:35 AM on September 14, 2010 [3 favorites]
Ah yes, that well known axiom of Darwin: survival of the fickest.
posted by MuffinMan at 1:43 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by MuffinMan at 1:43 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
At the same time there is Hawking's making a direct attack on the [needed] existence of God (Occam's razor sort of way). For a lot of people science leaves them feeling lonely and unloved, "a toxic poisonous mind virus which destroys the hearts immune system against hope" (a "catchy" mind virus of a quote).
posted by stbalbach at 1:44 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by stbalbach at 1:44 AM on September 14, 2010
My heart's immune system has an apostrophe.
(I guess I have a possessive heart.)
posted by pracowity at 1:53 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
(I guess I have a possessive heart.)
posted by pracowity at 1:53 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
Hasn't superstition already had it's turn?
posted by turgid dahlia at 2:11 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by turgid dahlia at 2:11 AM on September 14, 2010
tis the dark ages, second edition
posted by The Lady is a designer at 2:14 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by The Lady is a designer at 2:14 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
"It is sacrificing reason on the alter of treason to accept that the greatest construction of all time.. a human being with a brain is the result of chance, randomness and destructive mutations. It is the irrational three legged chair of hopeless speculation that bears no resemblance whatsoever to reality and observable functioning perfect order."
Too bad prose style doesn't evolve as beautifully as living organisms.
On the other hand, this guy is a bona fide expert in specious nonsense.
posted by chavenet at 2:20 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Too bad prose style doesn't evolve as beautifully as living organisms.
On the other hand, this guy is a bona fide expert in specious nonsense.
posted by chavenet at 2:20 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
As far as I can tell, disillusioned's joke isn't even a joke.
If you follow creationists you know they usually have a special vocabulary all to themselves: a mess of urban legends and folklore, pretenses to scientific study (with a unique idea of what that means), and heavy references to the Bible. This website doesn't resemble that at all. It appears to literally be an atheist website that's had Find and Replace run on it. It's not a parody, it's the guy's entire idea.
posted by shii at 2:20 AM on September 14, 2010 [3 favorites]
If you follow creationists you know they usually have a special vocabulary all to themselves: a mess of urban legends and folklore, pretenses to scientific study (with a unique idea of what that means), and heavy references to the Bible. This website doesn't resemble that at all. It appears to literally be an atheist website that's had Find and Replace run on it. It's not a parody, it's the guy's entire idea.
posted by shii at 2:20 AM on September 14, 2010 [3 favorites]
I hate every ape I see,
From chimpan-A to chimpan-Z.
No you'll never make a monkey out of me!
posted by Neale at 2:21 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
From chimpan-A to chimpan-Z.
No you'll never make a monkey out of me!
posted by Neale at 2:21 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
He's clearly qualified for this though. Look at his credentials: Marriage Counsellor, Writer, Poet, Ex Religious Leader, Philosopher, Businessman, Owned a Public Relations Company, Actor, Radio Show Presenter, Magazine Publisher.
Which is really just a long-winded way of saying he's had a life-long career as a Snake Oil Salesman.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:40 AM on September 14, 2010 [5 favorites]
Which is really just a long-winded way of saying he's had a life-long career as a Snake Oil Salesman.
posted by PeterMcDermott at 2:40 AM on September 14, 2010 [5 favorites]
Here is PZ Myers' brief take
posted by Rhomboid at 2:42 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
He's a barmy, ignorant crank. I read the sample pages, and his big argument is from pregnancy and development (!) — he's looked at it, superficially, and come away from it all dazzled at how complicated it all is, and that's the entirety of his argument: it's all too complicated.I'm not sure what we're left to do other than say, yes, these cranks do still exist and yes they still publish books. Lenihan seems to have snapped out of it and is disassociating now, so that's that.
Some people look at nature, marvel, and say that no one can comprehend it, therefore it must be magic. Other people look at nature, marvel, and say, "I think I can figure out how that works." May is in the first category.
So, just another random kook on the internet with a self-published book promoting his own ignorance…
posted by Rhomboid at 2:42 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
Looking at his website, the book apparently gives an answer the age-old question, "how is babby formed". Surely, a must-read.
posted by daniel_charms at 2:46 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
posted by daniel_charms at 2:46 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
This is the same Conor Lenihan who behaved like this in a formal government meeting:
In May 2006, Fianna Fail Junior Minister Conor Lenihan heckled Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins during a Dail debate. Higgins had been campaigning on behalf of immigrant Turkish construction workers, and Lenihan said that Higgins ‘should stick with the kebabs’. source
What a clown.
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 2:55 AM on September 14, 2010
In May 2006, Fianna Fail Junior Minister Conor Lenihan heckled Socialist Party TD Joe Higgins during a Dail debate. Higgins had been campaigning on behalf of immigrant Turkish construction workers, and Lenihan said that Higgins ‘should stick with the kebabs’. source
What a clown.
posted by a womble is an active kind of sloth at 2:55 AM on September 14, 2010
As the post says, he's already cancelled. Minister withdraws from launch of anti-evolution book:
MINISTER FOR Science Conor Lenihan will not now launch a book in Dublin which describes evolution as a fantasy and a hoax, after the author asked him to withdraw in the wake of controversy on the web.posted by TheophileEscargot at 2:57 AM on September 14, 2010
The Minister was to launch The Origin of Specious Nonsense by John May at Buswells hotel tomorrow, with actors playing the parts of Charles Darwin and King Kong.
But Mr May said last night he had asked Mr Lenihan not to launch the book “because I am so embarrassed that the Minister for Science has been so insulted” and “eviscerated” on a political website. “He doesn’t even believe in my central argument,” the author said.
"I am so embarrassed that the Minister for Science has been so insulted"
Insulted???
WTF does this minister's job description say? I'd guess offhand that it involves something about the advancement and promotion of science and perhaps even truth.
He shouldn't feel "insulted", he should feel the boot of his boss, the People, kicking his ass to the curb.
posted by pla at 3:36 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Insulted???
WTF does this minister's job description say? I'd guess offhand that it involves something about the advancement and promotion of science and perhaps even truth.
He shouldn't feel "insulted", he should feel the boot of his boss, the People, kicking his ass to the curb.
posted by pla at 3:36 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
The Minister was to launch The Origin of Specious Nonsense...with actors playing the parts of Charles Darwin and King Kong.
Yes, clearly a milestone for scientific inquiry. Will there be balloons for the kids?
posted by PlusDistance at 3:50 AM on September 14, 2010
Yes, clearly a milestone for scientific inquiry. Will there be balloons for the kids?
posted by PlusDistance at 3:50 AM on September 14, 2010
Just to make it clear, I'm not arguing that Mr May shouldn't publish his book--I haven't read it or examined it, but if he wants to publish a load of old rubbish that's his right. I do object to the Minister for gods-help-us Science being a part of it. Here is Mr Lenihan's Departmental page: http://www.education.ie/home/home.jsp?maincat=11116&pcategory=11116&ecategory=13344§ionpage=12251&language=EN&link=link001&page=1&doc=39088 (sorry, at work and it won't allow me to hyperlink).
posted by Logophiliac at 3:55 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by Logophiliac at 3:55 AM on September 14, 2010
Tánaiste Mary Coughlan is going to be very disappointed when she hears of this terrible attack on Einstein's Theory of Evolution!
Oh Ireland — why must you break my heart so…
posted by nfg at 3:58 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Oh Ireland — why must you break my heart so…
posted by nfg at 3:58 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
"a fantasy of farraginous, farcical, fatuous, feculent, facile facetiousness ..."
He might not have SCIENCE on his side, but he sure can alliterate.
posted by wilful at 4:32 AM on September 14, 2010
He might not have SCIENCE on his side, but he sure can alliterate.
posted by wilful at 4:32 AM on September 14, 2010
A science minister that doesn't believe in basic scientific principals? That's old news, Ireland.
posted by Midnight Rambler at 4:38 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by Midnight Rambler at 4:38 AM on September 14, 2010
...and that's the entirety of his argument: it's all too complicated.
So let me see if I understand this -- He's too stupid to understand how G*d made him so smart?
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:02 AM on September 14, 2010
So let me see if I understand this -- He's too stupid to understand how G*d made him so smart?
posted by Devils Rancher at 5:02 AM on September 14, 2010
I hope the minister pops over to England so we can see his lap on Top Gear, but though comic as that may be, what with the use of physics and all, the interview would be totally hilarious. That or the author of the book on for a May versus May bit.
posted by juiceCake at 5:13 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by juiceCake at 5:13 AM on September 14, 2010
For a lot of people science leaves them feeling lonely and unloved,
Really? They prefer to think a god created life on Earth and then bailed (he's surely not active anymore) to let humanity die out? I'd prefer to be lonely than in an abusive relationship.
posted by fuq at 5:19 AM on September 14, 2010
Really? They prefer to think a god created life on Earth and then bailed (he's surely not active anymore) to let humanity die out? I'd prefer to be lonely than in an abusive relationship.
posted by fuq at 5:19 AM on September 14, 2010
Really? They prefer to think a god created life on Earth and then bailed (he's surely not active anymore)
Hi! I know people who believe that God actively intervenes in their lives, and it's a sad thing. You looked up at the last second while driving and avoided hitting someone? God did it. Found five bucks? God did it. You worked hard and your business took off? God did it. It's amazing how two thousand years ago God went around stopping the sun and dropping manna from the heavens and changing water into wine, but now he contents himself with making sure you don't forget your lunch. It's very much like the god-of-the-gaps concept- the better able we are to explain things scientifically, and the better idea we have as a culture of what is and isn't physically possible or likely, and the better historical recording we get, the supply of old-school miracles dries up and we see people defining miracles down in order to feel like God is paying extra-close attention to their lives.
Of course these people never stop to consider the implications of this worldview: if your business succeeded because God wanted it to, what does that mean when it fails? If you have good things because God gave them to you, with the attendant implication that God approves of you, what does that mean for the people who are starving to death? To God the glory, to man the blame, as ever.
posted by Pope Guilty at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2010 [5 favorites]
Hi! I know people who believe that God actively intervenes in their lives, and it's a sad thing. You looked up at the last second while driving and avoided hitting someone? God did it. Found five bucks? God did it. You worked hard and your business took off? God did it. It's amazing how two thousand years ago God went around stopping the sun and dropping manna from the heavens and changing water into wine, but now he contents himself with making sure you don't forget your lunch. It's very much like the god-of-the-gaps concept- the better able we are to explain things scientifically, and the better idea we have as a culture of what is and isn't physically possible or likely, and the better historical recording we get, the supply of old-school miracles dries up and we see people defining miracles down in order to feel like God is paying extra-close attention to their lives.
Of course these people never stop to consider the implications of this worldview: if your business succeeded because God wanted it to, what does that mean when it fails? If you have good things because God gave them to you, with the attendant implication that God approves of you, what does that mean for the people who are starving to death? To God the glory, to man the blame, as ever.
posted by Pope Guilty at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2010 [5 favorites]
There are people who are literally too stupid to bother debating because they are literally too stupid to understand when and how they've lost the argument. William Lane Craig, for example, is so smart that he'd probably notice if you backed him into a corner with a good argument or rebuttal. There would be at least a glimmer of recognition.
This guy, nope. It's almost not worth doing it for the benefit of third parties either because anyone who would fall for his line would have to be so lacking in critical thinking skills and basic knowledge of scientific methodology that they would require days and weeks of education to understand the substance of the issue. Otherwise all they'd hear is one guy issuing superlatives and condemnation on one side and the other and the other guy doing the opposite and they'll root for the home team.
posted by fleetmouse at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
This guy, nope. It's almost not worth doing it for the benefit of third parties either because anyone who would fall for his line would have to be so lacking in critical thinking skills and basic knowledge of scientific methodology that they would require days and weeks of education to understand the substance of the issue. Otherwise all they'd hear is one guy issuing superlatives and condemnation on one side and the other and the other guy doing the opposite and they'll root for the home team.
posted by fleetmouse at 5:38 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
For a lot of people science leaves them feeling lonely and unloved,
I don't get this either. I know that different people are different, and mostly that's a good thing. But I'm going to spend the day today doing science (tracking migrating hawks is science! yo), and I can guarantee that it will have me feeling many things - footsore, cold, exhilarated, occasionally bored - but lonely and unloved are not among them. There's a lot of "fucking raptors - how do they work?!" in the science we do, and it's cool, and the lack of knowledge and understanding only drives us to want o know more, to gather more data, to observe more closely. And they're just breathtakingly beautiful.
posted by rtha at 5:45 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
I don't get this either. I know that different people are different, and mostly that's a good thing. But I'm going to spend the day today doing science (tracking migrating hawks is science! yo), and I can guarantee that it will have me feeling many things - footsore, cold, exhilarated, occasionally bored - but lonely and unloved are not among them. There's a lot of "fucking raptors - how do they work?!" in the science we do, and it's cool, and the lack of knowledge and understanding only drives us to want o know more, to gather more data, to observe more closely. And they're just breathtakingly beautiful.
posted by rtha at 5:45 AM on September 14, 2010 [2 favorites]
TheophileEscargot: "
The Minister was to launch The Origin of Specious Nonsense by John May at Buswells hotel tomorrow, with actors playing the parts of Charles Darwin and King Kong."
Darwin AND King Kong. Can someone from Ireland go and video this and 'tube it. I have a feeling this is gonna be EPIC.
posted by NiteMayr at 5:48 AM on September 14, 2010
The Minister was to launch The Origin of Specious Nonsense by John May at Buswells hotel tomorrow, with actors playing the parts of Charles Darwin and King Kong."
Darwin AND King Kong. Can someone from Ireland go and video this and 'tube it. I have a feeling this is gonna be EPIC.
posted by NiteMayr at 5:48 AM on September 14, 2010
Coming soon to an (Irish) Bookstore near you:
Earth Revolves Around the Sun?: Hoax Revealed!
Stop Using Pain Relief; Why suffering is good for the soul
Women and Education: How the government has been wasting your tax money
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:51 AM on September 14, 2010
Earth Revolves Around the Sun?: Hoax Revealed!
Stop Using Pain Relief; Why suffering is good for the soul
Women and Education: How the government has been wasting your tax money
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:51 AM on September 14, 2010
It is the irrational three legged chair of hopeless speculation that bears no resemblance whatsoever to reality and observable functioning perfect order."
I started reading this and got all excited about bears doing something, like mauling the author, or explaining to him things like the process of natural selection and genetic drift.
Shows how much my mind turns to irrational speculation.
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 5:56 AM on September 14, 2010
I started reading this and got all excited about bears doing something, like mauling the author, or explaining to him things like the process of natural selection and genetic drift.
Shows how much my mind turns to irrational speculation.
posted by six-or-six-thirty at 5:56 AM on September 14, 2010
The Minister was to launch The Origin of Specious Nonsense...with actors playing the parts of Charles Darwin and King Kong.Yes, clearly a milestone for scientific inquiry. Will there be balloons for the kids?
No, but there is a ten thousand Euro prize! (Really, check the website!)
posted by Harald74 at 5:57 AM on September 14, 2010
For a lot of people science leaves them feeling lonely and unloved,
I don't get this either.
Authoritarians embrace God and Government because they feel more comfortable with tight reins and someone in control. If you are raised to be obedient and you do not rebel but instead fall into lock step with your parents, then what happens when you come of age? Someone has to be the leader. If you are a woman, you can become obedient to a husband, but what is a man to do? It is scary to be the one in charge because if things go wrong, you have only yourself to blame.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:58 AM on September 14, 2010
I don't get this either.
Authoritarians embrace God and Government because they feel more comfortable with tight reins and someone in control. If you are raised to be obedient and you do not rebel but instead fall into lock step with your parents, then what happens when you come of age? Someone has to be the leader. If you are a woman, you can become obedient to a husband, but what is a man to do? It is scary to be the one in charge because if things go wrong, you have only yourself to blame.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 5:58 AM on September 14, 2010
From the book's website - the launch is described as a 'Gorillas and Girls Party'
That's a new one on me.
posted by DanCall at 6:00 AM on September 14, 2010
That's a new one on me.
posted by DanCall at 6:00 AM on September 14, 2010
The website for the book reminds me of the adverts in the back of Fortean Times put up by people trying to sell copies of their self-published screed about the faked moon landings. I look at the website and expect to see adverts for indoor grow equipment and legal highs.
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 6:01 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
posted by ArmyOfKittens at 6:01 AM on September 14, 2010 [1 favorite]
Epic Fáil
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:22 AM on September 14, 2010 [6 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 6:22 AM on September 14, 2010 [6 favorites]
Really it sounds like he'd be better off backing off from being a Minister of Science than backing off from book promotion.
posted by Artw at 6:22 AM on September 14, 2010
posted by Artw at 6:22 AM on September 14, 2010
the launch is described as a 'Gorillas and Girls Party'
I would so RSVP "Yes" to that on Facebook.
posted by ixohoxi at 6:26 AM on September 14, 2010
I would so RSVP "Yes" to that on Facebook.
posted by ixohoxi at 6:26 AM on September 14, 2010
Mr May says evolution “cripples sanity, promotes myths and obscures reality”
Does anyone know where I can purchase a new irony meter? Preferably one that goes up to eleven.
posted by Decani at 6:28 AM on September 14, 2010
Does anyone know where I can purchase a new irony meter? Preferably one that goes up to eleven.
posted by Decani at 6:28 AM on September 14, 2010
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An experiment: Fixed. That. For. You.
posted by disillusioned at 1:28 AM on September 14, 2010 [10 favorites]