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Bagent introduces the emotions
Saturday 12 August 2006
The news this morning is that the United Nations Security Council finally voted unanimously last night for a resolution to end four weeks of bloodshed between Israel and Hezbollah.
Flights from UK airports are gradually getting back to normal but with longer delays due to tightened security.
As I walked to the vineyard, I wondered whether Bagent would be there again. He was. After a brief exchange of pleasantries and expressions of relief that the UN resolution might bring the loss of life in the Middle East to an end, I was anxious to resume our discussion about values and where they came from. Richard Dawkins, to whom I addressed my open “Letter to an Influential Atheist”, denies that the universe was created by God and goes on (quite naturally given his first premise) to deny that there is any overriding purpose underlying both the universe and our lives. As I understand it, though, he accepts that individuals can set themselves goals and work to achieve them.
“What intrigues me is this,” I said to Bagent. “From the mindless matter of the universe, given millions of years of evolutionary processes (which I do not in principle dispute) humans have emerged who have the sort of values and spirit to which John Reid referred and enjoy the freedom of which President Bush spoke.” (I quoted them in yesterday’s blog.)
“You are right to be intrigued,” Bagent replied. “And I would agree with you if you went on to express your surprise that what you called your ‘trusty trio’ of beauty, goodness and truth have emerged in a purely mechanistic universe.”
“Well, I am surprised,” I replied, “not only that the trio have emerged but also that human beings have evolved who can appreciate them.”
“But if you and I are going to discuss these things,” said Bagent, “let us not rule out the possibility that Dawkins and indeed other atheistic scientists and philosophers are right that there is neither purpose nor ultimate meaning behind the universe. I gather from your books that you write from the position of a Christian.”
“I do,” I said. “But I hope I am also an honest pursuer of truth. And what is your position?”
Bagent smiled. “That, my friend, I do not intend to reveal to you for now. But what I think you would find interesting to talk about is the story of human emotions. What are emotions and where did *they* come from? Do they have a purely evolutionary explanation?”
“Well of course, since, for my sins, I act as a tutor on a course called ‘Practical Emotional Intelligence Skills’ I should love to discuss the emotions.”
“I knew,” said Bagent.
This man both delighted and irritated me.
“Then let us talk tomorrow,” he said.
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