what is this?
any info?
share
Some rubbish from an angry atheist.
-- Do you have any tobacco?
ok then.
share
MovieChat Forums > The Enemies of Reason (2007) Discussion > what is this?
It's essentially a two-part version of what Richard Dawkins outlined in his book 'The God Dellusion'. It's a documentary of him analysing (Biased, obviously) various supernatual belief systems. Very entertaining.
Sayonara, not to be confused with cyanide, which is, of course, goodbye in any language.
What did you find biased about it?
-ck3
Well let's just say this is a program I believe is more aiming to entertain than portray an unbiased view of all these beliefs. And when Dawkins goes into these conventions and homeopathy places with a smirk on his face (Like I would), it hardly shows a man ready to make a program lacking any bias.
Sayonara, not to be confused with cyanide, which is, of course, goodbye in any language.
I've yet to see this doc, but having read a good deal of Dawkins' work it doesn't surprise me to hear that. On this subject Dawkins has reached a conclusion, is firmly convinced of his conclusion and is selling it.
While he can be a pompous ass about the presentation every now and then, I do tend firmly agree with his conclusions. I guess I'll have to watch this and see.
I wouldn't really say biased though it's mobviously partly comedic, at times at the expence of people (how deserving they are of this can however be discussed)
Somebody here has been drinking and I'm sad to say it ain't me - Allan Francis Doyleshare
thank you for your expertise!
shareBias or not, his conclusions are well supported. I don't understand how people can label his work that of "an angry aethist" and leave it at that. Just because you think homeopathy is more than a placebo doesn't mean its unbias for you to impose that kind of BS opinion on others.
To the people asking what this documentary is about:
Dawkins analyzes and investigates various forms of alternative medicines and, through the common refusal to be subjected to any type of controlled experiment, concludes that the very limited supporting evidence and clear economic values of these alternative 'medicines' is insufficient to prove them. Effective they might be, but the placebo theory has existed for quite a while now, and it is nothing new. He touches on other things as well, but that's the gist of it. Pretty decent docu, a standard questioning documentary Dawkins has come to be known for.
Ask why, as$hole.
I am Shiva, the God of death.
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Homeopathic Remedies That Work
Name Description
Aconite Commonly known as monkshood, aconite is highly toxic. A nontoxic, diluted extract of aconite is used in homeopathy to treat symptoms similar to that of poison.
Allium cepa Commonly known as red onion, homeopathic physicians use a dilute extract of red onion to treat symptoms similar to that of red onion—watery eyes, burning, etc.
Apis Commonly known as the honeybee, apis as a homeopathic remedy is made from the body of the bee. It is used to treat symptoms similar to that of a bee sting—redness, swelling, etc.
Arnica Commonly known as the mountain daisy, arnica is used by homeopathic physicians to treat bruises, sprains, and strains.
Arsenicum album Also known as ars alb, arsenicum album is a diluted form of arsenic, a metallic poison. It is used by homeopathic physicians to treat symptoms similar to the effects of arsenic poisoning—dehydration, burning pain, etc.
Belladonna Commonly known as deadly knightshade, belladonna is used in homeopathy to treat symptoms of dry mouth, nausea, delirium, etc.
Bryonia Commonly known as wild hops, bryonia is used in homeopathy to treat vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation, etc.
Calcarea carbonica Also known as calcium carbonate or calc carb, it is used in homeopathy to treat symptoms of exhaustion, depression, and anxiety.
Cantharis Commonly known as Spanish fly, cantharis is used in homeopathy to treat conditions with symptoms of abdominal cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, etc.
Chamomilla Derived from German chamomile, it is used in homeopathy to treat irritability, impatience, etc. It is most often prescribed to children.
Ferrum phosphoricum Also known as ferrum phos or iron phosphate, it is used to treat symptoms of low energy and anemia.
Gelsemium Also known as yellow jasmine, it is used to treat conditions that effect vision, balance, though and locomotion.
Hepar sulphuris Derived from the inner layer of oyster shells, hepar sulphuris is used to treat infection.
Hypericum Commonly known as St. John's wort, hypericum is used to treat nerve damage.
Ignatia Derived from seeds of a plant, this homeopathic remedy is prescribed to treat conditions with symptoms such as headache, cramping, and tremors.
Ipecac Ipecac induces vomiting and causes gastrointestinal distress. Homeopaths prescribe it to treat similar symptoms.
Kali bichromicum Commonly known as potassium bichromate, kali bichromicum is a poison used also in textile dyes, wood stain, etc. Homeopaths use it to treat localized pain.
Lachesis Derived from the venom of the bushmaster snake, this homeopathic remedy is used to treat conditions that cause the same symptoms as the venom itself.
Ledum Also known as marsh tea, ledum is used to treat infections, most often from animal bites, stings, cuts, etc.
Lycopodium Commonly known as club moss, lycopodium is used to treat diarrhea, digestive upset, etc.
Mercurius vivus Also known as quicksilver, it is used to treat symptoms of sweats, shaking, nausea, etc.
Natrum muriaticum Commonly known as salt, it is used to treat conditions that cause excessive thirst and salt cravings.
Nux vomica It is used to treat symptoms caused by overeating and too much caffeine or alcohol.
Phosphorus It is used to treat symptoms of excessive thirst, fatigue, and nervousness.
Pulsatilla It is used to treat conditions that are accompanied by discharge, such as bedwetting, sinusitis, etc.
Rhus toxicodendron Commonly known as poison ivy, homeopaths use it to treat conditions with symptoms of fever, swollen glands, and restlessness.
Ruta It is used to treat conditions with bruising, such as tennis elbow, sciatica, etc.
Sepia Sepia is the discharge used by the cuttlefish to disappear from a predator. Homeopaths use sepia to treat symptoms of apathy and weakness.
Silica Also called flint, silica is used by homeopaths to treat conditions that cause weakness, sweating, and sensitivity to cold.
Sulphur It is used to treat conditions with symptoms of itching, burning pains, and odor.
[citation needed]
shareDawkings is looking at unproven medichine and other unproven and unscientific beliefs. Though partly comedic he is actually pretty respectful of everyone and shows both sides very well. He does however draw his own conclusions, but you can disagree with these without letting it hard the film.
Somebody here has been drinking and I'm sad to say it ain't me - Allan Francis Doyleshare
He doesn't claim to be unbiased.
Reality is biased. You'd have to be a complete imbecile to consider tap water medicine on equal terms with evidence-based medicine.