Intelligence Squared

The Sunday Debate: Atheism is the New Fundamentalism

Feb 19, 2023

In a lively debate featuring Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, and Charles Moore, former editor of the Daily Telegraph, the panel tackles whether atheism has become the new fundamentalism. Richard Dawkins, renowned evolutionary biologist, and philosopher A.C. Grayling offer compelling counterarguments. They discuss the complexities of belief, the dynamic post-9/11 landscape, and the need for secularism in governance. Humor and deep insights emerge as they explore the emotional depth of atheism and challenge misconceptions about faith.

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

Exploring the Nature of Belief: The Case Against New Atheism

6min

Shifting Conversations: Religion and Atheism Post-9/11

4min

Atheism vs. Fundamentalism

25min

Faith, Education, and Ethical Discourse

7min

Debating Belief: Faith vs. Reason

15min

Results of the Atheism Debate and Listener Engagement

2min

Does God exist? In this archive debate from 2009, we invited a panel of expert speakers to discuss whether atheism had replaced religion as the new faith of the secular age. Are atheists as blinkered and dogmatic as they claim religious believers to be? Arguing for the motion were former Bishop of Oxford Richard Harries and former Editor of the Daily Telegraph Charles Moore. Arguing against the motion were evolutionary biologist and science author Richard Dawkins and philosopher AC Grayling. The debate was chaired by historian, author and commentator Anthony Seldon.

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