Philosophize This! Episode #197 ... New Atheists and cosmic purpose without God - (Zizek, Goff, Nagel)
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Mar 10, 2024 Explore the clash between New Atheism and Creationism as philosophical positions are steelmanned for clarity. Delve into the critiques of materialism through the insights of thinkers like Philip Goff and Thomas Nagel. Discover the limitations of scientific explanations and the nuanced debate on the purpose of the universe. Engage with Aristotle's concepts on existence, seeking a deeper meaning in a cosmos often viewed through a purely empirical lens. It's a thought-provoking journey through ideology, consciousness, and cosmic purpose.
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Material Reductionism as Ideology
- Material reductionism, while seemingly pro-science, can be an ideology.
- It simplifies reality and often involves unexamined assumptions.
The Scientific Atheist
- Stephen West describes a prototypical atheist who values scientific proof.
- This person views themselves as a truth-seeker, dismissing creationism as ideological.
Contradictions in Both Camps
- Zizek agrees that creationism has contradictions, showing its ideological nature.
- However, material reductionism also relies on unproven philosophical assumptions.
