The Chronicle: Colloquy: Responses

Professor Moody: One should not infer from the phrasings of my questions, what I am thinking, or what role those questions play in providing evidence for my own conclusions.

Having said this, I note that I have never, in this discussion, suggested in any way that it is, or is not "proper" to construe science as magic-- or, to add to your formulation, magic as science. But you have said that it is possible to differentiate science and magic. Hence, I must ask for a minimal definition of science which will be acceptable to you.

But, since you bring up the matter, I should ask more. Do you find it useful to distinguish between science and magic, science and religion, and religion and magic? If so, why? If not, why not?

: -- Melburn D. Thurman, none (posted 2/13, 12:30 p.m., U.S. Eastern time)

previous response

next response

JOIN THE DEBATE

STEP 1: Your contact information (required)

Your name:

Your title & institution:

Your phone:

Your e-mail address:

STEP 2: Your comments

STEP 3: Submit!

Be sure to include your name and affiliation. Legitimate requests for anonymity will be honored.

The Chronicle maintains Colloquy as an open forum where readers can comment on issues. Submissions may be condensed or edited for clarity, but editing is kept to a minimum. We correct errors in spelling, punctuation, etc. In addition, we remove statements that have the potential to be libelous or to slander someone. In cases in which people make claims that could be libelous, we will remove the names of institutions and departments. But in those cases, we will not alter the ideas contained in the submissions.

Please read our privacy policy or our Colloquy help page if you have questions.

Check this box only if you would like this submission to be considered for publication as a letter to the editor in the printed Chronicle.

APE-MEN
Our biological beastliness spawned our cultural greatness. But can our biological greatness save us from our cultural beastliness, asks David P. Barash, a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. (Password required; how to get one.)
(Illustration by Courtney Granner)