What are Atheists For?
What are atheists for? Hypotheses on the functions of non-belief in the evolution of religion Dominic Johnson* Politics and International Relations, University of Edinburgh, Scotland, UK An explosion of recent research suggests that religious beliefs and behaviors are universal, arise from deep-seated cognitive mechanisms, and were favored by natural selection over human evolutionary history. However, if a propensity towards … What are Atheists For?
Very Interesting Theistic Argument
I just discovered Robin Collins’ very, very interesting reply to Carroll. Collins defends an entirely new class of fine-tuning argument for theism. This new class of fine-tuning argument does not argue that the universe is fine-tuned for life. Rather, this new class of fine-tuning argument argues that the universe is fine-tuned for discoverability. This novel argument sets up the following reply … Very Interesting Theistic Argument
Reply to Prof. Feser’s Fourth Question
Ed, Here is your fourth question to me: “4. In response to another reader’s question, about Craig’s version of the First Cause argument, you wrote: “Both theists and atheists begin with an uncaused brute fact. For Craig it is God, and for me it is the universe.” Now, as you know, the expression “brute fact” … Reply to Prof. Feser’s Fourth Question
NASA: The Universe is Flat (which Suggests It is Spatially Infinite)
The WMAP spacecraft can measure the basic parameters of the Big Bang theory including the geometry of the universe. If the universe were flat, the brightest microwave background fluctuations (or “spots”) would be about one degree across. If the universe were open, the spots would be less than one degree across. If the universe were closed, the brightest spots would be greater than … NASA: The Universe is Flat (which Suggests It is Spatially Infinite)
Is HADD Evidence Against Theism? Part 1
I’ve been thinking lately about whether HADD, on the assumption that it exists, is evidence for or against the existence of God. I’m starting to think it is neutral, but I’m posting this here for feedback. Context Before diving into the details, let’s review a few items for context. First, let’s address terminology. HADD is … Is HADD Evidence Against Theism? Part 1
Craig-Carroll Debate Video Now Online
HT: Mikkel Rumraket Rasmussen
Extremely Low Entropy of the Early Universe as Evidence against Theism?
One of the topics from last Friday’s debate between William Lane Craig and Sean Carroll was the extremely low entropy of the early universe. As I type this blog post, the video of the debate isn’t available, so I’m going from memory. But I thought I heard Carroll argue that the extremely low entropy of … Extremely Low Entropy of the Early Universe as Evidence against Theism?
Reply to Prof. Feser’s Third Question
Ed, your third question and accompanying commentary was this: In response to a reader’s comment, you wrote: I think Bertrand Russell’s beautifully succinct critique of all causal arguments holds good: “If everything requires a cause, then God requires a cause. However, if anything can exist without a cause, it might as well be the universe … Reply to Prof. Feser’s Third Question
Let’s Attack a Straw Man, C.S. Lewis Style!
I was re-reading C.S. Lewis’ book, Mere Christianity, and was struck by his completely biased way of defining the theory he wants to discredit. Here’s a quick refresher: Lewis wants to defend a moral argument for what he calls the “Religious view” (read: theism) and against what he calls the “Materialist view.” If you were expecting … Let’s Attack a Straw Man, C.S. Lewis Style!
Index for Feser-Parsons Exchanges
The purpose of this blog post is simply to provide a convenient index to all of the posts in the planned two series of exchanges between Edward Feser and Keith Parsons. Feser’s contributions will be posted on his blog and Parsons’ contributions will be posted on The Secular Outpost. This post will be updated with links as as they … Index for Feser-Parsons Exchanges