Programmes The_Atheism_Tapes

1 programmes

1.1 colin mcginn
1.2 steven weinberg
1.3 arthur miller
1.4 richard dawkins
1.5 denys turner
1.6 daniel dennett

programmes

all 6 programmes conducted in form of interviews; synopses below summaries of interviewees responses miller s questions.

colin mcginn

english philosopher mcginn speaks various reasons not believing in god, , of reasons for. gives thorough treatment of ontological argument. in addition, mcginn draws important distinction between atheism (lack of belief in deity) , antitheism (active opposition theism); identifies himself both atheist , antitheist. finally, speculates post-theistic society.

steven weinberg

american physicist weinberg talks effectiveness of design argument, both in past , today. discusses reasons people become religious, including varying influences of physical , biological arguments against religion. miller connects higher likelihood of biologists being non-believers physicists, weinberg finds surprising.

weinberg goes on distinguish between harm done in name of religion done religion , states both of these real , dangerous. goes on discuss difference between religious belief in america , europe, , how doesn t character of monotheistic god. ends saying science corrosive religious belief, , considers thing.

arthur miller

american playwright arthur miller talks atheism jewish perspective. discusses view cases of antisemitism come christians believe jewish people disbelievers because not believe christ son of god. discuss overlay of religion , patriotism, particularly american politics, on how many of wars today come mixture of nationalism , religious beliefs. lastly, explains how not believe there afterlife except in sense people remembered material possessions leave behind or deeds did during life still affect world.

richard dawkins

english biologist richard dawkins first talks how view evil exists may come personification of principal belief. next, explains process became atheist despite being raised anglican. discuss @ length natural selection , how acts guiding force evolution. points out fallacy in using god-of-the-gaps argument explaining world. next, goes on importance of holding , defending atheist world view.

denys turner

british theologian denys turner points out being atheist or theist depends largely upon questions ask yourself. shares view atheism can suffer own sort of fundamentalism. spend time covering issue of why or how comes nothing.

daniel dennett

american philosopher dennett explains why called 1 of books darwin s dangerous idea, , why many of darwin s contemporaries, in particular, considered darwin s theory of evolution dangerous. goes on deal question of consciousness (i.e., consciousness/soul distinct body), talking darwin s rejection of soul , possible origins , psychological purposes of belief in immaterial soul.

next, talks christian upbringing , how became atheist. goes on ask why thought rude criticise religious belief, , suggests due influential status of religions in question. finishes wondering whether live in post-theistic world.