(September 12, 2008 at 4:21 am)Tiberius Wrote: I have never heard an Evolutionary biologist say they like the term "Evolutionist" other than Richard Dawkins, who has tried (and failed) to change the word into something nice rather than something nasty. Although he has also tried the same with the word "Darwinist" which is completely ridiculous as well seeing how no scientists believe what Darwin believed anymore.
The term Evolutionism and Evolutionist try to show the acceptance of Evolution as some kind of religion. The correct term is "Evolutionary biologist", or "supporter of Evolutionary theory". I think we should add this to the site rules once I get around to writing them up. That or I could simply filter the words "evolutionism" so it becomes "evolution"
I don't like this idea.
I know that in the best of worlds we would all be very civil and partake in polite, reasoned, rational debate. But we use words for their emotive force as well as for their powers of persuasion. Many atheists use words like "theistard" and "christard" or "morontheist". Personally I use "christer" a lot. I'll use derogatory terms for groups of faithful, but I doubt I'd directly insult an individual. Depends who's prodding me I suppose. I like to think I've got a thick skin and if someone refers to me as a Darwinian or an Evolutionist it's no skin off my nose. Helps me identify the mindset of my opponent if nothing else.
If you draw up a list of banned words, it will perforce get ever longer in order to be fair and inclusive and you'd spend your life moderating, warning and banning.
I think the best rules are fewer rules. You and the other moderators have to follow your conscience as you decide what does and doesn't break this forum's etiquette. I strongly suspect that breach of that etiquette is a lot like someones description of pornography - "I can't define it, but I know it when I see it".
So, rather than a list of rules just let the forum flow and warn and ban as y'all see fit. If you do a bad job the forum will let you know. If you do a good job the forum will grow.
A big responsibility, and one I wouldn't want.
So far you've all been doing fine.
'How can you say, "We are wise, for we have the law of the LORD," when actually the lying pen of the scribes has handled it falsely? Jer 8:8
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx
A child of five would understand this. Send someone to fetch a child of five. Groucho Marx
