The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe
Podcast: June 7th 2005 (Download MP3)
Special Guest: Massimo Pigliucci
Topics:
Issue #1. Update on the Smithsonian Institution/ID fiasco
Issue #2. Science or Fiction
Issue #3. Interview with Massimo Pigliucci
Issue #1. Update on the Smithsonian Institution/ID fiasco
Smithsonian won't sponsor 'intelligent design' film
June 3, 2005 .
The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History has withdrawn its co-sponsorship of a showing later this month of a film that supports the theory of "intelligent design.
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The museum said it would not cancel the screening of the film, "The Privileged Planet," but will return the $16,000 that the Discovery Institute, an organization that promotes a skeptical view of the Darwinian theory of evolution, had paid it.
Proposals for events at the National Museum of Natural History are reviewed by members of the staff, and it co-sponsors all events. After the news of the showing caused controversy, however, officials of the museum screened "Privileged Planet" for themselves.
"The major problem with the film is the wrap-up," said Randall Kremer, a museum spokesman.
"It takes a philosophical bent rather than a clear statement of the science, and that's where we part ways with them."
New York Times
Washington Post Article
Issue #2. Science or Fiction (New Segment)
Each week our host will come up with three science news items, two genuine, one fictitious. He will challenge our panel of skeptics to sniff out the fake – and you can play along.
Item #1: Dolphins have been observed not only using tools, but also teaching tool use to their children. This is the first example of cultural tool use in a non-primate species.
Item #2: Astronomers have discovered an earth-like planet orbiting a nearby star, 50 light years from earth. This is the first earth-sized planet discovered around another star, and astronomers say there are indications that the planet has an atmosphere. This is the best candidate so far for extraterrestrial life.
Item #3: French scientists have discovered a way to keep water from freezing even at hundreds of degrees below zero – near absolute zero.
So...which one is false? Follow this link to find out.
Issue #3. Interview with Massimo Pigliucci
Interview with Massimo Pigliucci
Dr. Pigliucci is an Associate Professor of Evolutionary Biology at SUNY-Stony Brook in LI. He has published 72 technical papers in evolution, botony. Written 7 books, 2 technical books (Phenotypic Evolution and Phenotypic Plasticity), and most recently Denying Evolution. Author of Column in Skeptical Inquirer magazine – Thinking about Science. Frequent contributor to Skeptical Inquirer, Skeptic, Free Inquiry, Philosophy Now and the Pholosopher’s magazine.
Doctorate in Genetics from University of Ferrarra
PhD in Botony from UCONN
PhD in Philosophy from University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Dr. Pigliucci’s website: Rationallyspeaking.org