TED Community » Scott Staples

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  A reply on Conversation: The theory of Dualism raises interesting questions about the existence of the Soul

  Apr 20 2011: Sorry, I did there too. I should have said 'still debated' instead of 'widely accepted' which it cleary isn't

• A comment on Conversation: Have men and women achieved equality in western nations?

  Apr 19 2011: I think so. There is still debate around the issue of fair pay, hawever, woman tend to dominate the lower-paying professions (teaching, nursing etc.) while lawyers, doctors and scientists are more often male than female.
  
  In New Zealand our Labour party while in office once tried to pass a bill allowing fair pay irrespective of profession. The bill never made it through Parliament and Labour were voted out at the next election

• A reply on Conversation: You need to be able to calculate in your head

  Apr 19 2011: Imagine if there WAS a computer that could carry out the same function as a brain! You could play any game and it would never crash!!
• +1

  A reply on Conversation: Why don't people believe the fact of evolution?

  Apr 19 2011: "How do you explain the variation of physical characteristics with the human species?"
  
  There is a story in Genesis that provides insight to this question, it's called the Tower of Babel.
  
  The story goes that originally the human race was of one language, when we decided we could build a tower that would reach heaven God became angry and confounded the language of the human race so that we could not understand each other.
  
  Religious scholars have expanded the meaning of the word language (applying the golden rule) to include race (a bit of a stretch I think)
  
  There is also the bible story of Cain and Abel (I think it's in Genesis also)
  
  Evil Cain murdered his good brother Abel so God cursed Cain with dark skin. Not only did God curse Cain but also his children, his children's children, and so forth.
  
  Another example (this is specific to LDS religion) is the story of the Nephites and the Lamanites in America. It is similar to the above, God cursed the wicked Lamanites with dark skin so they could be distinguished from the righteous Nephites.
  
  Religion does have some interesting theories, I find it illuminating to appreciate both sides of an arguement
• +2

  A reply on Conversation: Why don't people believe the fact of evolution?

  Apr 19 2011: I agree that as a child there is certainly a degree of entrenchment however, education should allow an individual to transcend this and define their beliefs based on what they believe is rational and applicable to them.
  
  Regarding our existence, evolution vs creation doesn't have to be so extreme. Religious professionals propose the theory of "Emanationism" which allows creation and evolution to co-exist. It is the idea that all things physical emanated from a divine source.
  
  As for me, I haven't yet been able to fully accept either theory. I'm trying to learn more before I make up my mind

• A comment on Conversation: How to train my self to be creative?

  Apr 19 2011: I recently read an article on the Implications of LSD and experimental mysticism. They described in great detail the surge in creativity subjects reported when they induced hallucinogenic drugs.
  
  Obviously I'm not saying that you should take drugs to be creative I just thought it was interesting to note. In terms of inspiring creative thought you may find you have great results from yoga, meditation, being around nature or actually doing something else creative like painting or writing.
  
  ***If you want to read the LSD article (good article!) you can find it here:
  
  http://www.psychedelic-library.org/pahnke4.htm***

• A comment on Conversation: Reinventing government - what would it look like?

  Apr 19 2011: From a legal perspective I think the rule of law is important and constitutionally, a clear seperation of powers is a must.
  
  The rule of law will ensure that everyone, including the state, is subjuect to the law and no one is above the law
  
  A clear seperation of powers (the United States I think is a good example) ensures that there is no abuse or arbitrary use of power by the seperate branches of government (the Legislature, the Executive and the Judiciary). In New Zealand there is a huge overlap between the Legislature and the Executive which (before the 'mixed-member proportional' voting system was adopted) allowed the government to pass virtually and controversial law it wanted to as cabinet dominated parliament. The United States has a distinct seperation of powers where Congress passes legislation and the Executive administers the law. They have a good system of checks and balances that keeps the system honest.

• A reply on Conversation: The theory of Dualism raises interesting questions about the existence of the Soul

  Apr 19 2011: okay thanks Kathy and Daniel,
  
  So from what I've read of your's, humans have been able to transcend the level of consciousness that an animal experiences. Do you think it is possible to experience level of consciousness above that of a human?
  
  Daniel I thought what you wrote about the animal "group consciousness" was interesting. I feel it is fairly evident that the humn race has a collective mind, how do you think this relates to the "group consciousness" experienced by some animals?

• A reply on Conversation: The theory of Dualism raises interesting questions about the existence of the Soul

  Apr 17 2011: Kathy at what evolutionary level would consciousness come into play? sheep? or a frog? Do you think the kind of consciousness you're talking about is restricted to humans?

• A comment on Conversation: 'Do your bit for climate change!' - Do you feel Like your wasting your time?

  Apr 16 2011: In this case the most simple answer is the correct one. I don't know why everyone is so convinced global warming is our fault