6/19/03 - Suggested topics will include:

• David's Birthday Party -- Come help me celebrate 33 years on this crazy planet of ours.
• Is "age" something that will one day be "cured"? As medicine, science, and technology moves us closer toward this quest for "immortality", how will this affect our society? What ethical problems arise when extended or unbounded life spans becoming obtainable? What advances do you feel bring about the greatest chance for "immortality"?
• In their early years children are usually knowledge junkies, questioning everything in their view, though exhibiting little skepticism. Most, it seems, never learn to distinguish between inquisitiveness and credulity. Eventually, many children are also taught not to question; especially when it comes to the BIG questions. Instead they are taught to have absolute and unwavering beliefs that should not be questioned no matter how outlandish the claim might seem. Doesn't this methodology make someone more susceptible to misinformation and possible harm? With the amount of fraud, deception, and just plain dishonesty in the world today, why does this social paradigm persist? Shouldn't critical inquiry and healthy skepticism be something that is increasingly taught, socially accepted and praised? Or is blind faith and ignorance an acceptable method to approach certain claims, since it may allow the person to feel comfort, closure, and a sense of order?
• Do you feel age discrimination is a considerable problem in our society? Have you experienced or witnessed age discrimination? What can be done to reduce or eliminate this type of discrimination?
• "Respect your elders" and "honor your parents". Do these common formalities still have merit and meaning?
• New research suggests that people's personalities are not set in stone by the age of 30, as previously thought. Do you feel our personalities are more static or dynamic? How many times do you feel your own personality has changed and at what ages?
• Send your topic suggestions to: info@freeinquiryforum.com

Quote of the week: "The older I grow, the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom. [H. L. Mencken]

TOPIC ARCHIVES