nontheistic metaethics

Naturalism, Theism, and Moral Ontology: A Reply to William Lane Craig

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Abstract: This paper considers William Lane Craig’s metaethical argument for God’s existence. Roughly, the argument is that the existence of objective moral values provides strong evidence for God’s existence. I consider one by one Craig’s various reasons in support of the argument’s major premise, namely, that objective moral values and the nonexistence of God are at … Naturalism, Theism, and Moral Ontology: A Reply to William Lane Craig

G&T Rebuttal, Part 6: Chapter 7

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Chapter 7. Mother Theresa vs. Hitler In this chapter, G&T present a version of the moral argument for God’s existence which I call the “Moral Laws Require a Moral Lawgiver Argument,” which they formulate as follows. Like the earlier arguments, this argument is deductively valid. Like the earlier chapters about this argument, I plan to … G&T Rebuttal, Part 6: Chapter 7

Paul Copan’s Noseeum Argument Against Ethics Without God

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Over the last fifteen or so years, Paul Copan has written a variety of articles, chapters, and books which argue against ethics without God. (To be precise, Copan argues against atheistic or naturalistic metaethics.) As I interpret him, Copan offers several independent arguments against ethics without God. I call one of those arguments “Copan’s Noseeum … Paul Copan’s Noseeum Argument Against Ethics Without God

Quentin Smith on Bertrand Russell on “Unyielding Despair” and the Meaning of Life

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In his essay, “A Free Man’s Worship,” Bertrand Russell writes: Such, in outline, but even more purposeless, more void of meaning, is the world which Science presents for our belief. Amid such a world, if anywhere, our ideals henceforward must find a home. That man is the product of causes which had no prevision of … Quentin Smith on Bertrand Russell on “Unyielding Despair” and the Meaning of Life

Important New (Advanced but) Must-Read Book on Ethics without God by Erik Wielenberg

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Oxford University Press has just published the latest book by Erik Wielenberg, entitled Robust Ethics: The Metaphysics and Epistemology of Godless Normative Realism. Those of you who are regular readers of this blog know that I am a big fan of Wielenberg’s work; his previous books include Value and Virtue in a Godless Universe (Cambridge … Important New (Advanced but) Must-Read Book on Ethics without God by Erik Wielenberg

William Provine on Evolutionary Naturalism and Morality

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Cornell University biologist William Provine debated UC Berkeley law professor in 1998. (Click here for a link to the transcript.) In his opening statement, Provine made the following provocative assertion. Let me summarize my views on what modern evolutionary biology tells us loud and clear — and these are basically Darwin’s views. There are no gods, … William Provine on Evolutionary Naturalism and Morality

Another Failed Defense of “The Inevitable Consequences of an Atheist Worldview”

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Steve Hays has commented on my previous post, “Fact Checking the Inevitable Consequences of an Atheist Worldview.” That post was a detailed summary and refutation of eight specific claims. Hays does not interact with any of the specific claims. Rather, he makes general points about my post as a whole. Here is Hays: Over at … Another Failed Defense of “The Inevitable Consequences of an Atheist Worldview”

Fact-Checking “The Inevitable Consequences of an Atheist Worldview”

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Earlier this year, J. Warner Wallace reposted on his blog something written by an anonymous writer which describes “the inevitable consequence of an atheist worldview.” Wallace gives the writer the nickname “John.” I want to comment on “John’s” comments as well as Wallace’s commentary. Before I address “John’s” remarks, I first need to point out a fundamental … Fact-Checking “The Inevitable Consequences of an Atheist Worldview”