The Enemies of Reason
- TV Movie
- 2007
- 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
8.2/10
1.9K
YOUR RATING
Scientist Richard Dawkins turns a hostile eye on the world of alternative medicine.Scientist Richard Dawkins turns a hostile eye on the world of alternative medicine.Scientist Richard Dawkins turns a hostile eye on the world of alternative medicine.
Photos
Chris French
- Self
- (as Dr. Chris French)
Craig Hamilton-Parker
- Self
- (as Craig Hamilton Parker)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- GoofsIn part one of the series, when Richard Dawkins reads the horoscopes from the magazine, if you look in the window behind him you can see a printed page taped into the magazine.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Screenwipe: Episode #4.1 (2007)
Featured review
A Fine Successor to Root of All Evil
In this documentary, Richard Dawkins goes after alternative medicine and explores how it stands up to reason and critical thinking. While some of the things he explores are fairly obviously bunk, he is sure to give each theory fair attention.
I recently watched "Root of All Evil?" and enjoyed it. This follows a similar style, with Dawkins interviewing people he believes are practicing and pushing questionable beliefs. He steers clear of religion (for the most part) and his confrontational attitude is mellowed down, which I think is good -- the people he stands against have more of a chance to explain themselves, and it is their own words -- not Dawkins -- that makes them look smart or foolish.
Astrology (specifically horoscopes) are attacked, as is cold reading and homeopathy. Each of these could be explored further, but Dawkins gives a good introduction to these beliefs and in my opinion debunks them in a fairly legitimate way. He even has Deepak Chopra explain himself, which is great considering Chopra's high level of respect amongst many people. When called out, he actually seems almost rational.
Perhaps this would have been better as a series, with each week focusing on a different kind of medicine or alternative theory -- sort of like Penn and Teller's show, or a more serious version of "South Park" (they did a fine job attacking cold reading). But then, I guess that's been done. But I just can't get enough of that Dawkins, and my lady friend thinks he's a hot piece.
I recently watched "Root of All Evil?" and enjoyed it. This follows a similar style, with Dawkins interviewing people he believes are practicing and pushing questionable beliefs. He steers clear of religion (for the most part) and his confrontational attitude is mellowed down, which I think is good -- the people he stands against have more of a chance to explain themselves, and it is their own words -- not Dawkins -- that makes them look smart or foolish.
Astrology (specifically horoscopes) are attacked, as is cold reading and homeopathy. Each of these could be explored further, but Dawkins gives a good introduction to these beliefs and in my opinion debunks them in a fairly legitimate way. He even has Deepak Chopra explain himself, which is great considering Chopra's high level of respect amongst many people. When called out, he actually seems almost rational.
Perhaps this would have been better as a series, with each week focusing on a different kind of medicine or alternative theory -- sort of like Penn and Teller's show, or a more serious version of "South Park" (they did a fine job attacking cold reading). But then, I guess that's been done. But I just can't get enough of that Dawkins, and my lady friend thinks he's a hot piece.
helpful•233
- gavin6942
- Feb 28, 2009
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Враги разума
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- £140,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 30 minutes
- Color
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