Why Atheists Need Captain Kirk

New submitter anlashok writes: Atheism and science face a real challenge: To frame an account of science, or nature, that leaves room for meaning. According to this article, atheists have pinned their flag to Mr. Spock's mast. But they need Captain Kirk. Quoting: "I'm pro-science, but I'm against what I'll call "Spock-ism," after the character from the TV show Star Trek. I reject the idea that science is logical, purely rational, that it is detached and value-free, and that it is, for all these reasons, morally superior. Spock-ism gives us a false picture of science. It gives us a false picture of humankind's situation. We are not disinterested knowers. The natural world is not a puzzle. ... The big challenge for atheism is not God; it is that of providing an alternative to Spock-ism. We need an account of our place in the world that leaves room for value."

Comments

Our Holy Trinity?

[Anonymous Coward]

Our Holy Trinity?

Our Captain, His Spock, and the Holy Bones.

Re:Great idea! Let's alienate Science even more!

[93 Escort Wagon]

Man, you Red Sox fans are too much!

You need both, I think.

[PPH]

Spock for his logic and dedication to the scientific principle. Kirk so we can nail the occasional hot alien babe.

Re:No, no. Let's not go there. Please.

[DaveAtFraud]

Exactly. I get so tired of being asked "Then what *do* you believe?" ...

I usually go with the W.C. Fields line, "Everyone should believe in something. I believe I'll have another drink."

Cheers,
Dave

Re:illogical captain

[sabri]

the main difference is that people in your group tend to tell other people what to do, and atheists tend not to tell people what to do.

I guess this hits the nail with the hammer

In the end, religion is like having a penis. It's ok to have one, and it's ok to be proud of it. But if you're going to take it out and attempt to shove it down my throat, we are going to have a bit of a problem.