God, Atheism, and Religious Epistemology w/ Dr. Logan Gage
May 29, 2024
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Guest Dr. Logan Gage, a philosophy professor, discusses atheism, God's existence, Descartes' skepticism, Pascal's Wager, religious certainty, abductive reasoning, belief evolution, and overcoming anxiety in faith debates. Topics include foundational beliefs, philosophical conservatism, and the problem of evil in theistic arguments.
Maintaining humility in convictions fosters openness to diverse perspectives.
Pascal's Wager emphasizes personal and practical engagement with faith.
Balancing firm beliefs with openness aids in spiritual growth and exploration.
Cultivating openness and humility helps in finding peace amidst religious uncertainty.
Faith involves trust through probabilities, contrasting Cartesian certainty.
Solid justifications support faith despite lacking absolute certainty.
Deep dives
Certainty in Beliefs and Humility
Certainty in our beliefs often leads to a sense of calm and stability in a chaotic world. However, having absolute certainty can hinder our ability to engage with conflicting perspectives. Maintaining humility in our convictions allows for openness to different viewpoints and a recognition of our own limitations in knowledge and understanding. Balancing firm convictions with the willingness to be open to new information and perspectives can lead to a more nuanced and mature approach to belief systems.
Pascal's Wager and Approaching Faith
Pascal's Wager serves as a practical tool to encourage individuals to explore faith and the potential consequences of their beliefs. The wager invites individuals to consider the importance of committing to a belief system that offers a meaningful and purposeful life. Rather than being solely focused on intellectual certainty, Pascal's Wager emphasizes the significance of engaging with faith on a personal and practical level, inviting individuals to reflect on their deepest motivations and resistances to belief.
Navigating Uncertainty in Faith
Navigating uncertainty in matters of faith, such as choosing a religious tradition or grappling with foundational beliefs, can be daunting, especially in a world where diverse perspectives and information abound. Striking a balance between holding convictions and allowing room for growth and exploration is key. Embracing a sense of intellectual humility and recognizing the complexity of faith can aid in navigating uncertainty and evolving one's spiritual journey.
Challenges in Religious Certainty
Experiencing uncertainty in religious beliefs, particularly when faced with conflicting viewpoints or challenges to one's faith, can pose significant internal struggles. The pressure to align with a specific religious group or doctrine can lead to feelings of doubt, confusion, and a sense of disconnection. Cultivating a mindset of openness, humility, and personal exploration can help individuals find peace and clarity amidst the complexities of religious uncertainty.
The Nature of Faith and Certainty
The podcast explores the concept that faith by its definition involves an element of trust and persuasion through probabilities, according to Albert the Great. Faith is seen as meritorious because it requires trust when the truth is not as evident as physical proof. This viewpoint contrasts the Cartesian notion of certain self-evident truths, with faith being considered a merit due to its lack of absolute clarity.
Evidential Support for Faith
The discussion delves into the idea that faith can have abundant evidence supporting it, described as a persuasion through many probabilities. Although not offering absolute certainty like Cartesian beliefs, faith can be underpinned by strong evidential support. This concept challenges the notion that faith must be entirely based on unwavering conviction.
Challenges to Faith in a Certain Worldview
The conversation navigates the concept that faith, devoid of absolute certainty, offers opportunities for merit in belief. Contrary to the Cartesian approach, faith involves a trust that goes beyond clear evidence. The discussions touch on the importance of seeking good reasons for beliefs, especially in matters that impact one's life significantly.
Navigating Doubt and Certainty in Faith
The podcast addresses the balance between faith and reason, emphasizing the need for solid justifications in beliefs. While faith may not provide Cartesian certainty, the dialogue suggests that having overwhelming evidence on one side can give credence to faith. Through prayer, trust, and openness to guidance, individuals can navigate uncertainty and experience gradual spiritual growth.
Introduction to Necessary Truths
Necessary truths are fundamental to human knowledge, such as the principles of non-contradiction and excluded middle. These truths serve as the foundational basis for logical reasoning and are accepted as axiomatic in various fields.
Complexity and Necessity
The simplicity of a God being labeled as necessary is based on the concept of divine simplicity, where God is considered the simplest form of existence without any composition. This contrasts with other theistic beliefs that may posit a non-simple God as necessary, or atheists suggesting a necessary physical reality, which may lack the fundamental simplicity required for true necessity.
God as Necessary Explanation
When considering God as a necessary entity, the focus is on explaining the contingent nature of the world, moral laws, abstract objects, and other aspects beyond just organized complexity. God's role as an explanation extends to various facets of existence, making the introduction of God a plausible and meaningful step in understanding the universe.
Addressing Dawkins' Argument
Richard Dawkins' argument on the existence of God primarily revolves around the idea that if there are naturalistic explanations for the world's design and no compelling arguments for God as an explanation, then the existence of God is deemed improbable. However, this argument overlooks the broader implications and explanatory power of God in addressing multiple aspects of reality beyond just organized complexity.
Resources for Further Study
For those interested in delving deeper into philosophical concepts, exploring articles on platforms like Phil Papers can provide in-depth analysis and insights into various philosophical topics. Additionally, considering courses in philosophy, natural theology, and Catholic studies can offer a structured approach to understanding complex philosophical arguments and concepts.
Logan Paul Gage is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. Dr. Gage received his B.A. in history, philosophy, and American studies from Whitworth College (2004) and his M.A. (2011) and Ph.D. (2014) in philosophy from Baylor University. His dissertation, written under the supervision of Trent Dougherty, was a defense of the phenomenal conception of evidence and conservative principles in epistemology. It won Baylor University’s 2014-2015 Outstanding Dissertation Award(Humanities Division). His philosophical specialties (and the majority of his publications) are in epistemology and philosophy of religion. But he also has broad interests in ethics, metaphysics, history of philosophy, philosophy of science, and the thought of St. Thomas Aquinas.
