New Idea

This blog is FREE! Yes, free of charge but also free of coersion from a certain professor...

I'd like to use this space to blog philosophical ideas. Let's see what comes to mind just now.

Eariler today I was watching Morgan Freeman's science show "Through the Wormhole". The episode was about the existence of God and various theories real scientists have about it. This was way more interesting than the usual Sunday fare of preachers and preists going on and on about God. So what did the scientists have to say?

Well, one idea struck me as especially intriguing. "Maybe we're all simulations and God is the simulation designer." Hmmmm, possible? I guess? (voice pitch goes up as I shrug)

What bothers me about that idea is that God itself can be a simulation and super-God the super-simulator. It leads to an infinate regress. That's bad. So I shave that idea with Ockham's Ravor.

Purpose

I'm making this up as I go, so here goes:

It's easier to state what this ain't.

This ain't an online journal where I express deep personal feelings for only a selected few (none) to read. I have a livejournal account for that.

This ain't an online social profile where I try to keep up with friends and family and "stay in the loop". I have a facebook and myspace account to serve that need, and I already don't bother to update them that often.

This is NOT a vehicle for mere opinion. Oh sure, you'll get plenty of my opinion, but it won't be merely my opinion. There will be some element of research and reference in this blog.

Ah, now we're getting somewhere. I'm starting to talk about what this blog IS. Let's continue while I'm still hot.

This will be a commentary on something specific. Politics, philosophy, gaming, sport(s), current events, literature review, movies, music, culture.

I'd like the topic to be consistent, so that there's an overarching theme on this blog. "Dared to Think (about X)" Snazzy title, consistent topic, thoughtful posts.

I'll be honest: this blog was an assignment from my professor, Dr. Angela Crow. I'm taking two classes with her this semester, and both classes seem to have a heavy "blogging" focus. I'm not sure right now exactly what she wants me to blog about, so I'm slow to jump right in. What I do know is that I'll have some say in what I blog about, so I can posts sorta "preview posts" like this.

who dares?

first to explain the name: iDare3000.

i has multiple meanings: the first is a personal "I" as in "I am Dare". the second reference is to the internet and the electronic nature of myself and this blog, hence the lowercase form and close placement (think iPhone or iPod).

Dare has multiple meanings: the first is a personal nickname I acquired in high school. Dare is a play on my first name Darren (thanks Big Chan!).

the second meaning is the dictionary definition of dare as a verb and noun: verb 1 a: to challenge to perform an action especially as a proof of courage -dared him to jump- b: to confront boldly : defy -dared the anger of his family- 2: to have the courage to contend against, venture, or try dared a new interpretation of this classic role- noun 2 : imaginative or vivacious boldness (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dare)

3000 has but one reference, and that is to the hip-hop artist Andre 3000, whose creativity and style inspire me. Plus "iDare" was already taken so 3000 is more original.

So take it as it is, but interpret it how you like. I have explained the name, and later I will explain the purpose.