Friends, Atheists, Countrymen

Over at the BBC is an interesting article on arguments, which is something I've been thinking about for the past couple of days. As well as being involved in a discussion on James Randi's forum, I've also had a few comments recently which have got quite emotional in tone. From the BBC article:

Those familiar with internet culture may have heard of Godwin's law. Coined by the American lawyer Mike Godwin in 1990, it states that the greater the length of an internet discussion, the higher the chances of a comparison involving Hitler or the Nazis.

On this blog I deal with contentious issues. Animal consciousness, god, religion and the meaning of life are all topics over which people get emotional (and are sometimes even willing to die for). If you think that I expect everybody to agree with me, you are very much mistaken. And I know I can sound a certain way and it is worse in real life, I assure you. People can get very distressed (or frustrated) talking to me, because they think that I am patronising and condescending.

But before people start accusing me of being a 'science caesar', I would suggest taking a few deep breaths and if you don't like what you're reading, go away! I am a scientist, atheist and human being and I am capable of discussing most topics without getting overly emotional. I am often dismissive, because I have thought long and hard about these things. I used to believe a lot of the same things, which enables me to see different perspectives.

However I have concluded everything is pointless. That really is an unequivocal statement. And no debate will convince me otherwise. So read or don't read. Agree or don't agree. Those really are the questions and they're up to you.