mawler
03-17-2009, 03:37 AM
If i had the Power and resources to hold a big debate on National or international media on thiesm vs atheism,i would do it in a rather different manner.I would pull 3 of the big Christian Philosophers and 3 of the Big Atheist Philosophers and engage in a 3 day long debate.With Each day having a different topic based on the Arguments for and against God.
This in the hope to show which side,theism or atheism is the most logical position.
So who would make the list of the 3 Atheistic Philosophers?
1.Michael Martin
- He's a very well learned man,with a Phd in Philosophy - analytical,Philosophy of religion science law and even sport.
He has published several books in defense of Atheism and arguments against the existence of God eg The Case against Christianity,atheism morality and meaning,the impossibility of god etc.He' credited with the Transcendental Argument against the existence of god.
- Martin had a debate with Christian Philosopher Phil Hernandes back in 1997.
So Martin is probably one of the best Atheist philosophers out there.He would be the Team leader of the Atheist Group.
2.Dan Dennet
-He's a prominent American Philosopher, at Tufts University.He's versed with philosophy of mind,philosophy of science and cognitive sciences and theory of evolution.
- He's most notable debate was with Dinesh D'souza.Another Christian Philosopher.
3.Michael Shermer
- Famous Skeptic who is the founder of the Skeptic society,and editor of the Skeptic magazine.
On the Christian Side:
1. ALvin Plantinga
He's one of the greatest living philosophers of our time.He is famous for the Free will defense that tries to explain why there is suffering and evil in the world.He has a couple of audio eg one of the favorite i have listened to is, Against Materialism lecture.You can listen or download it here.oddly enough Plantinga has never engaged in any public debate with an atheist or agnostic.
2.William Lane Craig
is an American philosopher and New testament scholar who has had the most number of public debates with atheists.He's famous for the kalam Cosmological argument.And he's offered one the best arguments for the existence of God.
here are some of his audio debates
3.Richard Swirnburne
is an eminent British philosopher and professor who deals with the philosophy of religion.for more info on him read here.
Topics for discussion in order:
1. Cosmological Argument
2.Materialism
3.Problem of Evil and Suffering
4.Divine hiddenness
5.Free will
6.God's Attributes
The debate to be held in a conference where the audience are not university students,but Philosophy lecturers,Scientists,Critical thinkers and theologians.
Without letting your prejudice on Theism and Atheism cloud your judgment,which side do you think would present the most compelling arguments?
This in the hope to show which side,theism or atheism is the most logical position.
So who would make the list of the 3 Atheistic Philosophers?
1.Michael Martin
- He's a very well learned man,with a Phd in Philosophy - analytical,Philosophy of religion science law and even sport.
He has published several books in defense of Atheism and arguments against the existence of God eg The Case against Christianity,atheism morality and meaning,the impossibility of god etc.He' credited with the Transcendental Argument against the existence of god.
- Martin had a debate with Christian Philosopher Phil Hernandes back in 1997.
So Martin is probably one of the best Atheist philosophers out there.He would be the Team leader of the Atheist Group.
2.Dan Dennet
-He's a prominent American Philosopher, at Tufts University.He's versed with philosophy of mind,philosophy of science and cognitive sciences and theory of evolution.
- He's most notable debate was with Dinesh D'souza.Another Christian Philosopher.
3.Michael Shermer
- Famous Skeptic who is the founder of the Skeptic society,and editor of the Skeptic magazine.
On the Christian Side:
1. ALvin Plantinga
He's one of the greatest living philosophers of our time.He is famous for the Free will defense that tries to explain why there is suffering and evil in the world.He has a couple of audio eg one of the favorite i have listened to is, Against Materialism lecture.You can listen or download it here.oddly enough Plantinga has never engaged in any public debate with an atheist or agnostic.
2.William Lane Craig
is an American philosopher and New testament scholar who has had the most number of public debates with atheists.He's famous for the kalam Cosmological argument.And he's offered one the best arguments for the existence of God.
here are some of his audio debates
3.Richard Swirnburne
is an eminent British philosopher and professor who deals with the philosophy of religion.for more info on him read here.
Topics for discussion in order:
1. Cosmological Argument
2.Materialism
3.Problem of Evil and Suffering
4.Divine hiddenness
5.Free will
6.God's Attributes
The debate to be held in a conference where the audience are not university students,but Philosophy lecturers,Scientists,Critical thinkers and theologians.
Without letting your prejudice on Theism and Atheism cloud your judgment,which side do you think would present the most compelling arguments?