--- On Sat, 9/26/09, RicardoStarkey at aol.com <RicardoStarkey at aol.com> wrote:
>
> I am suggesting that from the beginning of a child's
> education, and
> continuing thereafter, that she be given a thorough
> education in science,
> including the philosophy of science in later years,
> and history, including how
> unreasoned beliefs have greatly retarded the progress
> of humanity toward the
> development of societies in which all human beings
> are free to develop
> themselves, free of class exploitation. I know
> that last bit is a distant goal,
> but I firmly believe that religion hinders rather
> than helps the
> realization of that goal.
>
> The definition of "indoctrination" is problematic,
> no? Presumably, you'd
> have no problem with the young being indoctrinated
> with anti-sexist or
> anti-capitalist notions. Of course, if by
> "indoctrinated," you mean
> "encouraged not to think for themselves," I am very
> definitely against that. But I
> think that religion is as widespread as it is
> precisely because accepting
> the supernatural dogma of one's parents without analysis
> or serious
> questioning is considered a virtue, and has been for
> millennia. I really just want
> the educational system to teach young people that any
> notion is fair game
> for criticism, but that there's no refuge in
> supernatural explanations.
>
> Oh yeah. About not shunning (or whatever)
> one's relatives... I'm just
> allergic to people with reactionary mindsets who are
> certain that the Master
> of the Universe is in complete agreement with them,
> and I don't care how
> many genes we have in common. I don't wish them
> any harm; I just don't budget
> any of my time for them.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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