Aristotle was immensely dumb, you know. If we're going to measure people of different epochs and scientific backgrounds against each other, what remains is reasoning and clarity of thought. And Aristotle failed that big time.

I'm unsure what exactly you're meant to be "showing me up" with here? I never said you can't be a good scientist and philosopher... considering the two fields were often treated as the same field in the past so it's obvious a lot of people would have contributed to both fields.

I'm referring to a recent trend wherein scientists begin to do writings on philosophy with seemingly little prior knowledge, education or even research at times in the field of philosophy.

Oh yeaah? And you... you... you are not even capable getting a new avatar

By the modern definition, every important philosopher ever was a troll. Unfortunately, in order to change how people think you have to break paradigms. You can't expect a revolution built through moderation and I'm sure, if Dawkins has any self-respect, he does not want to go down in history as a guy who made very moderate and non-offensive statements about atheism and religion.

For clarity, let me just say I disagree with Dawkins at a fundamental level, as I do believe there is a spiritual plane of existence, although I share his general disgust for organized religions and the form cultural oppression they represent.

Twice a year, at Easter and Christmas?

The only religion I follow is Macho Man Randy Savage.

Every Sunday I snap into a fucking Slim Jim, and embrace the MADNESS.

And you call yourself a gamer!?

There is only one Messiah.

Someone forgot to set him on fire.

Fuck Mario. Commander Keen forever and ever.

I actually can't argue with that. Problem is I can't find a pic of Keen being crucified.

Exactly.

If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the problem
Religions affect basically everyone on the planet in someway.

Respect is earned you know. It's not a given. You're confusing it with "courtesy". And sure, be courteous to all humans and don't be an ass, but you don't have to respect any nonsense that they believe in. Especially when they expect you to respect their intolerant views because either "we've believed them for thousands of years so deal with it" or because it's some crap they interpreted in that has no basis in either their religion or the modern world.

You're not required to respect religions with dicktator deities and murderous, homophobic adherents. Nor are you required to respect asshole atheists/humanists. You'll find an equal dose of stupidity from all sides, as well as brilliance and wisdom from all sides. One thing to remember is this: the universe is bigger than 1 worldview.

I think you have that wrong...
If you are not part of the solution then you are part of the precipitate.

Except, of course, that you'll notice he never says the debate should be shut down via authoritarian fiat - only that it's a bad idea.

That's the difference between a guy like Dawkins... and the... humans... spotted throughout this thread. Dawkins says, "Hey Nye, that's a bad idea, and I wish you wouldn't do it."

The fascists use authoritarian force to shut down and destroy intellectual opposition.