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
God-of-the-Gaps Arguments Summarized in One Word
Inconceivable!
Some Logic in Swinburne’s Cosmological Argument
I have been struggling for the past week or two to make clear the logic behind one premise of Swinburne’s cosmological argument. Perhaps those readers of The Secular Outpost who have an interest in logic or in Swinburne’s arguments will be able to help me with this task. Actually, his inductive cosmological argument is very … Some Logic in Swinburne’s Cosmological Argument
Simplicity, Theism, and Naturalism
In a recent post on his blog, Alexander Pruss presents an interesting argument regarding simplicity, theism, and naturalism. He writes: I have argued elsewhere, as my colleague Trent Dougherty also has and earlier, that when we understand simplicity rightly, theism makes for a simpler theory than naturalism. However, suppose I am wrong, and naturalism is the … Simplicity, Theism, and Naturalism
Response to Prof. Feser’s Response to…etc (Part II)
Ed, this will be a rather truncated response to these points because I will address just the arguments you present here. A fair treatment of your arguments would need to address your article on these topics in American Catholic Philosophical Quarterly. However, two physical realities—time and space—limit me here. The question I posed was why … Response to Prof. Feser’s Response to…etc (Part II)
Swinburne’s Cosmological and Teleological Arguments – Part 3
I am exploring a concern about, or potential objection to, Swinburne’s inductive cosmological and teleological arguments for the existence of God. The objection I have in mind is something like this, for the cosmological argument: Although the one factual premise of Swinburne’s cosmological argument is supposed to be the ONLY contingent factual claim or assumption … Swinburne’s Cosmological and Teleological Arguments – Part 3
Reply to Prof. Feser’s Response, (Part IV)
Ed, I am going to take the liberty of first replying to your response to my answer to your fourth question. I am going to do this because I think that this is where we most significantly clash, that is, where our fundamental disagreements are most apparent. I want to address these points right away, … Reply to Prof. Feser’s Response, (Part IV)
Swinburne’s Cosmological and Teleological Arguments – Part 2
Like many other liberals, I’m delighted and mesmerized by Bridgegate and various other Chris Christie scandals from the fine state of New Jersey. I cannot wait for my daily dose of Rachel Maddow dishing the latest dirt on Christie and his idiotic crowd of corrupt New Jersey hooligans. What does this have to do with … Swinburne’s Cosmological and Teleological Arguments – Part 2
Craig-Carroll Debate Video Now Online
HT: Mikkel Rumraket Rasmussen