Flock of Dodos

[brockrhodes]

I had a chance to see a screening of Flock of Dodos last night at Wichita State. It covers the creation vs. evolution political situation very gently. A cast of characters were present in the film that I have met in person, but the film casted them in a more complete light that I think will help the public understand what is going on. The maker, Dr. Randy Olson, a marine biologist and filmmaker, was in attendance for the screening and stayed afterwards for a panel discussion with Philosophy of Science Dr. Niall Shanks, a pastor, and the Wichita State geologist that made the event possible. He is a very nice and intelligent man, and I think he's made what could amount to an important film.

 

It will start showing on Showtime next week. I recommend, and I recommend telling everyone you can about it.

 

Here is a schedule and minor information from Showtime: http://www.sho.com/site/schedules/product_page.do?episodeid=129643&seriesid=0

[insane_alien]

its not a political situation. its fact vs. fiction.

[brockrhodes]

I see what you're saying, but it very much is a political situation as all progress from either side and all discussions up until this point with this particular issue in the public sphere have taken place entirely in a political arena with the sides opposing each other almost entirely on the lines of difference in education and culture. In the scientific arena, where culture doesn't matter and politics, philosophically, are marginalized the best they can be, there is no analagous discussion.

 

The film payed a lot of attention to the fact that scientists don't have P.R. firms, and the filmmaker mentioned the horrific future of P.R. firms starting a propaganda campaign during any scenario where credible scientists need to be listened to but their goals or plans of action don't jive with the economic outlook of a particular party. That's policy controlled by marketing. It's all political.

 

This film will most likely be a catalyst for a backlash by scientists against Richard Dawkins. I love Richard Dawkins myself, I agree with most of what he says and does so much that he's a piece of my heart. But instead of spreading public awareness and understanding of science, he's no most apparently on a crusade to promote atheism. Philosophical extrapolations that justify Dr. Dawkins lack of religion are his right, except that he's just fueling a fire and making much of the other side ignore and even fight against what he says that would be useful to them because of its factual accuracy just to spite him.

[brockrhodes]

Just a reminder, Flock of Dodos premiers Thursday on Showtime. Make it an event.

 

More information can be found at the film's website, Flock of Dodos or at my Defending Science blog.