LINK: Alvin Plantinga’s Turnaround Argument from Evil
(Redated post originally published on 20 October 2011) LINK (HT: Victor Reppert)
John Loftus Interviews Me!
Five years ago I posted an essay here at SO titled “Goodbye to All That” in which I announced an intention of never publishing or teaching a class on philosophy of religion again (the link is below). I had just slogged through a particularly bad book of theistic apologetics and was overwhelmed with a sense … John Loftus Interviews Me!
Darwinian Morality and Rape?
(Redated post last published on 3 November 2011) According to Nancy Pearcey and biologist Jeffrey Schloss (see here), Darwinian evolution implies there is nothing ethically wrong with rape. Why? Pearcey argues that Darwinian evolution and moral realism are logically incompatible: In the words of sociobiology’s founder, E.O. Wilson, “the basis of ethics does not lie in God’s will”; … Darwinian Morality and Rape?
God, Multi-verses, and Modal Realism
(redated post originally published on 16 November 2011) I have heard in various quarters recently the claim that Lewis’ version of modal realism is (a) just a kind of multi-verse theory; and (b) intrinsically incompatible with theism. A partial discussion of this issue may be found in the pages of Philosophia Christi: Richard Davis ‘God … God, Multi-verses, and Modal Realism
I.I. Sponsors Internet Debate on God’s Existence: God or Blind Nature?
(redated post originally published on 9 July 2007) After five years of planning, preparation, and work, the Internet Infidels will officially announce on July 1 the first installment of its “Great Debate” project, God or Blind Nature? Philosophers Debate the Evidence. (I’ve been given the OK to post this early.) The project, coordinated by agnostic … I.I. Sponsors Internet Debate on God’s Existence: God or Blind Nature?
Victor Reppert’s Anti-Naturalistic Argument from Pain
(redated post originally published on 25 November 2006) There are a variety of approaches to formulating an argument from evil against theism. Two of the most influential versions of the evidential argument from evil were developed by atheist William Rowe and agnostic Paul Draper. Both involve appeals to pain. In a recent entry on his … Victor Reppert’s Anti-Naturalistic Argument from Pain
Sarcasm: How to be an Atheist Apologist
(redated post originally published on 3 December 2006) Disclaimer: the following post is sarcastic. It is not intended to be representative of the tactics used by all or most atheist “apologists.” 1. Any reason for doubt, no matter how far-fetched or speculative, is sufficient for avoiding the conclusion that God exists. For example, even if … Sarcasm: How to be an Atheist Apologist
Sarcasm: How to be a Christian Apologist
(redated post originally published on 2 December 2006) Disclaimer: the following post is sarcastic. It is not intended to be representative of the tactics used by all or most Christian apologists. 1. Doubt is to be avoided at all costs. There’s a reason for the expression, “devil’s advocate,” you know. 2. Do not mention objections … Sarcasm: How to be a Christian Apologist
“You are Under Arrest in the Name of Jesus!”
Life in Texas is many things, but it is never boring. You can always count on zealous Bible-beaters, uh, our duly elected state officials, that is, to liven things up. Our governor Greg Abbott wants crosses on police cars: Note that his justification only mentions the religious significance of the cross in passing. Chiefly, the … “You are Under Arrest in the Name of Jesus!”
Off Topic: Critical Thinking about Marijuana Use
I don’t smoke pot, so I don’t have a significant personal stake in questions about the risks and dangers of marijuana use. I am glad that my state recently legalized marijuana, but I think it should be legal whether or not it has significant health and safety risks, just like smoking tobacco and drinking alcoholic … Off Topic: Critical Thinking about Marijuana Use