I've been in many secular classrooms over the years where professors warned against presuming we have improved upon previous generations or are more "developed" in any sense that deserves such a word. This is especially true in linguistics, philosophy, anthropology, history, literature, etc, where ancient cultures figure prominently.
For some reason, however, it's okay to suggest that we've "outgrown" ideas that characterize spiritual awareness.
Which makes atheism sometimes naive and myopic.
Whatever their failings, religious (and secular) philosophies recognize the timelessness of great thinkers who've come before them.
[2014-10-08]
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I wouldn't call science a "candle in the dark," but I recently got a copy of Carl Sagan's The Demon-Haunted World - Science as a Candle in the Dark and look forward to listening. I was a fan of his for many years, starting with the first Cosmos on PBS and The Dragons of Eden.
It's unfortunate that outstanding scientists are rarely able philosophers (and vice versa). Those that are, are regarded suspiciously (or as incompetent) by both sides.
[2014-10-13]
c0
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