Month: November 2014

Matthew Ferguson: History, Probability, and Miracles (2013)

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Historian Matthew Ferguson uses Bayes’ Theorem to analyze the historicity of miracle claims. Among other things, Ferguson compares the historical evidence for a purported miracle by Vespasian to the historical evidence for the purported resurrection of Jesus. LINK Note: as always, links do not constitute endorsement. Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)

Matthew Ferguson: Ten Reasons to Reject the Apologetic 10/42 Source Slogan (2012)

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The “10/42 source slogan” refers to the claim that “42 ancient sources record Jesus 150 years within his lifetime, whereas only 10 mention the contemporary Roman emperor Tiberius.” Matthew Ferguson, a Ph.D. student at the University of California at Irvine, has written a detailed critique of the 10/42 source slogan. Here is an excerpt from the … Matthew Ferguson: Ten Reasons to Reject the Apologetic 10/42 Source Slogan (2012)

Matthew Ferguson: Knocking Out the Pillars of the “Minimal Facts” Apologetic (2013)

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I have only skimmed this article, but it appears to be a very comprehensive rebuttal to the “minimal facts” apologetics favored by several Christian apologists, including Licona, Habermas, and Craig. LINK Note: as always, links do not necessarily constitute endorsement. We’d love to know what you think of the article. Please feel free to debate … Matthew Ferguson: Knocking Out the Pillars of the “Minimal Facts” Apologetic (2013)

Ferguson

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Although this has nothing to do with the philosophy of religion, I’d like to make an exception and dedicate a post to what happened in Ferguson, Missouri. I have zero expertise or authority on any of the several issues involved here. My main goal is to provider readers a chance to discuss in the combox … Ferguson

Is Intentionality a Cardinal Problem for Physicalism?

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This response is based on the summary by Joel Steinmetz of an article by John Haldane: http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/faculty/calhoun/socratic/Steinmetz-Problem_of_Intentionality.pdf It is not based on the not the original article by Haldane, so my remarks here must be regarded as provisional and informal. Still, I would like to address a few points. Haldane’s argument, as presented here, is … Is Intentionality a Cardinal Problem for Physicalism?

The Evidential Argument from Biological Evolution, Part 2: Is Evolution Evidence for Theism?

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Let’s begin reviewing the logical form of the argument, as described in Part 1 of this series. (1) Evolution is antecedently much more probable on the assumption that naturalism is true than on the assumption that theism is true. (2) The statement that pain and pleasure systematically connected to reproductive success is antecedently much more … The Evidential Argument from Biological Evolution, Part 2: Is Evolution Evidence <I>for</I> Theism?

Lowder-Vandergriff Debate on God’s Existence Now Out!

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I’m pleased to announce that my debate on God’s existence with Mr. Kevin Vandergriff is now out! Here are the options for accessing the debate. Topic and Format The topic and format for our debate was as follows. Topic: Naturalism vs. Christian Theism: Where Does the Evidence Point? Format:  Mr. Lowder’s Opening Statement: 20 minutes Mr. Vandergriff’s … Lowder-Vandergriff Debate on God’s Existence Now Out!

If You Think Atheists Should Ridicule Theistic Beliefs, Read This

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This is a paper I started writing almost ten years ago, but never finished. Atheistic Advocacy as a Risk Communication Problem Jeffery Jay Lowder Abstract. In this paper, I introduce a new way of thinking about atheistic advocacy. In an important sense, atheism is a risk. Therefore, attempts to argue either for the truth of … If You Think Atheists Should Ridicule Theistic Beliefs, Read This