Tryals

Let’s suppose you had convincingly argued that it was much more likely than not that some sort of divine being objectively existed.  Let’s go further and suppose, just for a moment, that the question of a Creator God had been provisionally settled—that you had met your burden of proof, assembled a body of natural evidences sufficient to convince any reasonable and unbiased mind that the universe we inhabit had been intentionally brought into being by an intelligent agent, tha

Conservatives are not by nature deeply introspective.  Meaningful introspection requires the thinker to suspend certainty, however briefly, and accept that the course of critical introspection may lead them to change their present opinions or abandon long-held values and prejudices.  Conservatives are inclined to abhor such potential outcomes.  They prefer an uncomplicated view of the world.  They intuitively recognize that what is true , and especially what is right , shoul

Okay, listen carefully.  I’m not  saying there is no  Grnshpln.  I’m just saying I haven’t seen convincing evidence  that there actually is  a Grnshpln out there.  At least not yet.  But listen, I’m perfectly willing to have a look at whatever evidence or arguments you think you have, and to consider them carefully.  Keep in mind, though, I will have to see  the evidence first.  You can’t just say  you have plenty of evidence for the Grnshpln.  You have to show  it, make it p

Conservatives are always ready and eager to style themselves defenders of tradition.  They require little prompting.  They hardly need to declare their allegiance to the glories of tradition, for it is evident in their confidence, their charismatic swagger, their folksy charm.  They are probably being asked right now to give their opinion on the issue of the day, whatever it is, because everyone knows they are conservative and committed to some notion of traditional values . 

Try the following experiment with a classroom-size group of adults.  The results are always entertaining and revealing.  It begins with a simple scenario, entirely plausible in our modern world.  Imagine that you are in a large public building, walking up a flight of stairs.  Two people are climbing the stairs ahead of you, deep in whispered conversation.  One of them drops something, but is too engrossed to notice.  In the next moment, they round the corner to another flight

Imagine this.  You and ninety-nine of your closest, dearest friends and relatives—those people whom you know, love and trust better than anyone else—agree that each and every one of you will withdraw $10,000 of your hard-earned savings and deposit the funds in a common pot.  Then you and your ninety-nine most-beloved gather together for a grand party, a celebration.  Each of you writes your name on a slip of paper and drops it into a hat.  You know and trust these people, so

But what of offensive speech?  Do we not have a public obligation to prevent speech that offends others?  Before answering, imagine the...