Next Year
I wanted to retire this year, but that did not work out. I might be able to retire a year from now, though. There are a number of topics from this year that I plan to carry over into 2015: 1. The End of PoR? John Loftus has argued that public colleges and universities … Next Year
Joel Steinmetz: The Problem of Intentionality: A Cardinal Difficulty for Physicalism (2005)
A very interesting summary of a lecture delivered to Gonzaga University’s Socratic Club on December 9, 2005. LINK Disclaimer: As always, links do not necessarily constitute endorsement. See also: Craig’s Argument from Intentionality Your name Your email Subject Your message (optional)
Lowder-Vandergriff Debate on God’s Existence Now Out!
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!
Questions Concerning the Existence of God
It does not look like I can retire this year, maybe next year (it could happen!). But I think I will start my ten-year plan to develop a multi-volume critique of Christianity in January, even if I’m still working my 9 to 5 job. Part of evaluating Christianity is evaluating the fundamental metaphysical claim that … Questions Concerning the Existence of God
Swinburne’s Argument from Religious Experience – Part 1
In The Existence of God (2nd edition, hereafter: EOG) , Richard Swinburne presents a careful and systematic case for the existence of God. Eight of the arguments (that he considers to be significant) are presented as bits of empirical data each of which increases the probability of the hypothesis that God exists a bit (with the … Swinburne’s Argument from Religious Experience – Part 1
Did God Create Nuclear Weapons?
Christians and other believers in God often say, ‘God created everything.’ If we take this literally, as a young child would do, we might start thinking of some objections or possible counterexamples: ‘Did God create nuclear weapons?’ ‘Did God create the ebola virus?’ etc. The doctrine of divine creation leads quickly to the problem of evil. … Did God Create Nuclear Weapons?
Why I am Not Concerned about Christian Theist Philosophers of Religion
One reason I am not concerned about the prevalence of Christian theists in the field of philosophy of religion is that they do a nice job of arguing against each other. William Lane Craig’s favorite argument for the existence of God is the Kalam cosmological argument. I’m happy that there are some atheist philosophers who … Why I am Not Concerned about Christian Theist Philosophers of Religion
Evan Fales: Deepak Chopra’s $1M Prize is a Publicity Stunt
(This is a guest post by Evan Fales about Deepak Chopra’s recent challenge to the new atheists.) This is a publicity stunt. He’s smart enough to have picked what may be the biggest unsolved puzzle for naturalism. At the same time, his challenge is seriously vague in its wording. What exactly does he mean by … Evan Fales: Deepak Chopra’s $1M Prize is a Publicity Stunt
Is Empathy Just Another Feeling That Can Be Suppressed if Metaphysical Naturalism Is True?
Depending on the particulars, an argument from silence may be logically correct or incorrect. I’ve argued that the most charitable interpretation of arguments from silence is as explanatory arguments. In order to succeed, arguments from silence must successfully show that the non-existence or non-occurrence of the thing in question is a better explanation than rival … Is Empathy Just Another Feeling That Can Be Suppressed if Metaphysical Naturalism Is True?
God of the Gaps Arguments
I see the phrase “God-of-the-gaps” (GOTG) argument used a lot in the blogosphere, but people rarely define what they mean. I think GOTG arguments all look something like this. 1. X happens or exists. 2. We have no naturalistic explanation for X, i.e., we have no way to explain X without God. 3. Therefore, God … God of the Gaps Arguments