AIP 353 The New Atheism (CP, EP)
The purpose of this course is to explore various challenges to religious belief from the so-called “New Atheists,” authors like Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Richard Dawkins, who have attacked belief in God as irrational and dangerous, particularly in light of events like 9/11. The issues addressed include the question of the meaningfulness of the concept of God; the potential absurdity of religious faith; the undermining of religious claims by the natural sciences; the connection between religion and violence; the viability of secular ethics; and the case for secularism. Students will also examine and consider some of the strong reactions to the New Atheists from believers, and some of the spirited public debate that has occurred between representatives of the two groups.
Prerequisite
One previous PHIL or RS course