Evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and theoretical physicist and ASU professor Lawrence Krauss discussed science, religion and education with a balance of intelligence and humor at ASU Gammage Saturday night.
“We'll try to offend as many people we can tonight,” Krauss said jokingly.
Dawkins joined Krauss for “Something From Nothing?” a presentation by the Richard Dawkins Foundation and the ASU Origins Project.
“I think the most important things students will get out of it is, first of all, the excitement of science, and the courage and excitement it takes to accept the universe as it is,” Krauss said Friday.
Cynthia Schulze, administrative associate at the ASU Origins Project, said she was excited for students to see Dawkins and Krauss speak.
“Students have the opportunity to see two of the most well-known professionals in the world,” Schulze said. “I think it’s important to have a perspective that’s based on facts and have that presented in a public forum.”
Krauss and Dawkins had an observable respect for one another.
“He has a following which is remarkable,” Krauss said at the beginning of the discussion. “I was going to say it was like walking around with Moses, but I'm actually certain that Richard Dawkins exists.”
The most heated topic discussed was religion versus science, and the possibility of a higher power.
Krauss shared his very strong opinions on religious people, saying that they are hypocritical for using technology. He also said although there is no proof that there is no God, there is also no proof that there is a God.
“The key thing about science and God is that God is irrelevant to science,” Krauss said.
Dawkins said he thinks politics and religion are too involved.
“So, if the person you are contemplating voting for believes all that, they contradict everything that's known historically,” Dawkins said. “Do you want a president who believes palpably foolish things?”
Philosophy junior Adam Astor said Dawkins and Krauss balanced their discussion well.
“I thought they played off each other well and went through an orderly way of touching on all their topics,” Astor said.
Reach the reporter at dlustig1@asu.edu
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