This has been brewing for a long time. Finally the holes in the Swiss cheese lined up.
Might you be interested in a public forum space dedicated to rational, science respecting conversation?
A virtual pub, that is, a place to hang out with like-minded friends. Instead of a bartender, there’s a moderator who gracefully keeps us in line. With discussion being on the table.
It’s a place for the curious and hungry who want to step beyond making content and get back into conversation and thinking about the ideas that are important to us.
https://forum.centerforinquiry.org
CFI Forum was created in 1991 by Paul Kurtz who was also a founder of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry. But what good is a party if no one shows up?
Years ago CFI was humming with numerous interesting individuals contributing to lively dialogue, — but, lately it’s dying on the vine, which is a tragedy for such a well thought out, respectful discussion platform.
If we don’t use it, we’ll lose it. I think that would be a tragedy. When it seems to me, we need it now, more than ever. It’s there waiting for some ones to use it.
Today so much seems to be all about producing content, counting clicks, and monetizing, all the while interest in actual dialogue is fading.
If that seems a shame to you, please take the time to check out https://forum.centerforinquiry.org.
Oh and a surprise! There’s no donation appeal at the end of this message !
This is simply an invitation to visit, check it out, perhaps take an interest, start a conversation.
Case in point:
CFI.forum, under the Heidegger documentary thread.
L — (Dec 5, 2025)
“I watched the whole movie (I am, therefore I think — a monk interviews Heidegger.).
Heidegger lived long enough to comment on technology in the modern age. This doc presents how we got there with some entertaining characters. It starts with a review, from Plato’s ideal forms, to Descartes thinking, to Heidegger’s view that there just “are” forms, there is us interacting with them, like a jazz musician. There are rules, like a recipe, but the cook makes each meal and the handmade table where it is served makes the experience.
We in turn are shaped by how our ancestors interacted with the world and we can take risks, we can find our authentic selves by breaking the rules. By doing so, we open up new worlds. The form of the statue of David could be said to have been in the stone, but it took Michealangelo to see it and bring it into being.
The latest view of the world is that we bend it to our will. Standardization has replaced skills and craftsmanship. The last section explores what we have lost and how or if we can get it back.”
citizenschallengev4 (Dec 8, 2025) Response:
Okay, but please notice it’s all about the human experience.
Not the slightest interest in reaching beyond.That’s why, when reading stuff I write, you should never forget—I identify as an Earth Centrist — Earth is my ultimate touchstone.
From my reading and interactions with philosophers, it sure seems to me they believe their Minds are the ultimate touchstone.
That’s why I love serious science, it is also a product of our human mind,
but it is constantly reaching beyond our smug self-absorbed logic, and checking in with physical reality to see how our ideas are shaping up.Scientists are also unique in their unwavering dedication to intellectual honesty (Even when individual humans lapse, there are checks and balances in force.). Scientists allow physical facts to carry the day, ego is to be checked at the door.
Does any of that help clarify the conflict?
(Oh and yes, I have also watched the entire video, and made notes.)
Regarding CFI Forum’s origins.
“The Center for Inquiry was established in 1991 by atheist philosopher and author Paul Kurtz.[3] It brought together two organizations: the Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal (founded by Kurtz in 1976) and the Council for Secular Humanism (founded by Kurtz in 1980).[4][5] The Center for Inquiry Inc was registered as a tax-exempt nonprofit organization in April 2001.[6]
Kurtz, a humanist who founded CFI to offer a positive alternative to religion,[7] led the organization for thirty years.” (wiki)
(For the record, I am not affiliated with CFI. I’m simply a long time participant and I believe in the CFI.forum.org mission to enable rational civil dialogue between people across our nation and beyond. )
Good night. 