Whilst some sceptics took in the science reporting debate with Goldacre and Lord Drayson last night, I went to watch Richard Dawkins in conversation with James Harding at the Institute of Education. The talk was meant to promote Dawkins’ latest book ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’, which you can buy here,  you can read a brief review here or an extract here, the first half hour was James Harding asking a few rather basic questions about the book which was fine and exactly what I expected.

The second half of the evening consisted of questions from the audience which is where I became slightly annoyed. The majority of the questions focused on issues from his previous book The God Delusion when this talk was supposed to focus on his new book. I only have admiration for Richard’s patience at answering questions like “If there is no god then where do we get our morality from?” and “I accept evolution but why should that mean there is no god?” calmly while gently reminding people that he was here to talk about his new book and that these were questions for another time. I don’t understand the mentality of these questions, each said as if they think they are about to make a point that Dawkins has never considered before and then each promptly dismissed time and time again. I suggest to anyone attending a future Dawkins question session to READ HIS BOOKS first and not to repeat ancient arguments as if they are revelations.

Susie, my girlfriend did point out that it was great to see him take these questions on in person and I have to admit while some of the questions did annoy me I took some pleasure in his rebuttals. Also there were some fantastic comments, namely from a young boy who said a faith school had turned him atheist and a women who suggested the book could have been called The Greatest Show in the Universe. Dawkins also made an interesting point that it did not annoy him if someone remained ignorant of evolution since ignorance can be easily overcome with education; I think perhaps I should remember that when I get in debates sometimes with people that remain ignorant of the evidence on a particular subject and try not to get so annoyed!

It was fantastic to finally see Dawkins live and get our book signed so thanks for getting the tickets Susie!