Conversations with Peter Boghossian Do Humans NEED Belief? W/ Brett Hall
Oct 2, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Brett Hall, an Australian science educator and advisor to intellectuals like David Deutsch, dives into the contentious role of belief in epistemology. They explore whether belief is necessary for moral foundations, the implications of atheism developing its own dogmas, and if moral facts truly exist. Brett argues people have an inherent need to believe, connecting it to social dynamics. Ultimately, they debate the practicality of 'belief' in understanding knowledge versus truth, challenging conventional thinking in a lively exchange.
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Naturalistic Rejection Of Supernatural God
- Brett Hall argues there's insufficient evidence for a supernatural God and would change his stance only if given strong rational reasons.
- He treats theism as epistemically unjustified unless supported by defeasible, reasoned arguments.
God Pushes The Explanation Back
- Peter Boghossian frames the God hypothesis as an attempted solution to questions like why there's something rather than nothing.
- He argues postulating an unexplained God merely pushes the explanatory gap up one level.
Derive Morality Through Reason
- Brett Hall recommends deriving moral truths via reasoning and empirical reality rather than presuming divine command.
- He urges epistemic humility and willingness to be wrong about moral claims.
