01) Richard Dawkins on scientific truth, outgrowing God and life beyond Earth
“Richard Dawkins is one of the world’s most famous atheists. An evolutionary biology at Oxford and best-selling author of The God Delusion – his new book ‘Outgrowing God – A Beginner’s Guide’ aims to inform young people about religion and atheism. He talks to Krishnan about why he wrote it, his passion for scientific truth and whether he thinks there’s life outside of Earth.”
“Aron Ra has a new book based on his popular YouTube video series, “Foundational Falsehoods of Creationism.” We talk to Aron about these falsehoods, and the new book.
“The problem of evil is one of the most famous and powerful arguments against God’s existence, but it less famously comes in multiple forms.
In this video, Jon McCray, from the YouTube channel, ‘Whaddo You Meme??’ argues that it may be justifiable for a loving God to permit children getting cancer, in order to serve some greater good. I’m less than convinced.
Some philosophical notes:
1. There is a difference between an argument being deductive and being valid. All examples of deductive arguments I have given are valid (for simplicity of explanation). First characterisation of the logical problem of evil (‘I can’t think of a reason, therefore there is no reason’) is invalid, yet it is clear from the conclusion that he is attempting a deductive rather than an inductive argument. It is therefore an invalid deductive argument. The very point Jon is making is that the conclusion doesn’t follow from the premise, implying that it should do in order to be a good argument. If the conclusion must follow to make it a good argument, it is an attempt at deduction.
2. My use of the word ‘syllogism’ throughout this video is regrettable upon review. A syllogism is technically a formation of a valid deductive argument, not just any formation of any argument (which is how I was using it). If confused, replace my use of ‘syllogism’ with ‘specific version of an argument’.
“Brian Dalton is a producer, satirist, and performer best known for his portrayal of Mr. Deity, a bumbling “God” whose literal interpretation of the Bible gets him into terrible trouble.
Brian joins Seth for an exploration into Mr Deity, The Way of the Mister video series, and Brian’s often hysterical responses to the videos of Prager U. Enjoy!”
“It’s no coincidence that the gods worshiped by humankind so often resemble (often violent and authoritarian) male primates.
Dr. Garcia, clinical psychologist, professor, and author of “Alpha God: The Psychology of Religious Violence and Oppression,” explains the connection.”
– Atheist Media Links
