false http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1179895749m/970578.jpg 970578 1 Atheists are frequently demonized as arrogant intellectuals, antagonistic to religion, devoid of moral sentiments, advocates of an "anything goes" lifestyle. Now, in this revealing volume, nineteen leading philosophers open a window on the inner life of atheism, shattering these common stereotypes as they reveal how they came to turn away from religious belief. These highly engaging personal essays capture the marvelous diversity to be found among atheists, providing a portrait that will surprise most readers. Many of the authors, for example, express great affection for particular religious traditions, even as they explain why they cannot, in good conscience, embrace them. None of the contributors dismiss religious belief as stupid or primitive, and several even express regret that they cannot, or can no longer, believe. Perhaps more important, in these reflective pieces, they offer fresh insight into some of the oldest and most difficult problems facing the human mind and spirit. For instance, if God is dead, is everything permitted? Philosophers Without Gods demonstrates convincingly, with arguments that date back to Plato, that morality is independent of the existence of God. Indeed, every writer in this volume adamantly affirms the objectivity of right and wrong. Moreover, they contend that secular life can provide rewards as great and as rich as religious life. A naturalistic understanding of the human condition presents a set of challenges--to pursue our goals without illusions, to act morally without hope of reward--challenges that can impart a lasting value to finite and fragile human lives. Collectively, these essays highlight the richness of atheistic belief--not only as a valid alternative to religion, but as a profoundly fulfilling and moral way of life. 955475 8 8 2007 Philosophers without Gods. Meditations on Atheism and the Secular Life total:19|5:6|4:5|3:7|2:1| 19 73 52 3 3 1 false false Sun Aug 10 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Thu Jul 24 09:48:25 -0700 2008 Tue Aug 12 07:54:03 -0700 2008 more...]]> 5 0 false false Thu Jan 29 08:10:01 -0800 2009 Tue Nov 18 11:23:20 -0800 2008 Thu Jan 29 08:10:01 -0800 2009 more...]]> 5 0 false false Wed Jun 11 00:00:00 -0700 2008 Tue Jun 10 06:31:46 -0700 2008 Thu Jun 12 19:30:47 -0700 2008
The first half consists of atheist philosophers from a variety of backgrounds reflecting on the paths that led them to atheism, and it is, except maybe for "...more...]]> 0 0 false false Fri Oct 30 15:28:44 -0700 2009 Fri Oct 30 15:28:44 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Oct 12 18:32:19 -0700 2009 Mon Oct 12 18:32:35 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Oct 12 16:19:02 -0700 2009 Mon Oct 12 16:19:02 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Tue Oct 06 12:42:21 -0700 2009 Tue Oct 06 12:42:21 -0700 2009 3 0 false false Mon Sep 28 10:10:48 -0700 2009 Mon Sep 28 10:10:53 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Mon Sep 21 09:26:34 -0700 2009 Mon Sep 21 09:26:34 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Sat Sep 05 08:27:59 -0700 2009 Fri Sep 25 09:29:57 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Fri Jul 17 21:46:51 -0700 2009 Tue Aug 04 08:11:32 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Wed Jun 17 23:58:28 -0700 2009 Wed Jun 17 23:58:28 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Sun Jun 14 19:53:36 -0700 2009 Sun Jun 14 19:53:36 -0700 2009 5 0 false false Tue Jun 09 08:54:28 -0700 2009 Tue Jun 09 08:54:28 -0700 2009 2 0 false false Wed Jun 03 22:38:26 -0700 2009 Tue May 19 12:01:33 -0700 2009 Wed Jun 03 22:38:26 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Sun May 17 19:53:29 -0700 2009 Fri May 22 22:00:29 -0700 2009 5 0 false false Wed May 13 19:22:24 -0700 2009 Wed May 13 19:22:24 -0700 2009 5 0 false false Wed May 27 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Tue Apr 28 06:56:40 -0700 2009 Wed May 27 23:48:42 -0700 2009 0 0 false false Thu Jul 02 00:00:00 -0700 2009 Fri Apr 17 18:23:57 -0700 2009 Thu Jul 02 18:30:09 -0700 2009 4 0 false false Mon Apr 13 08:57:35 -0700 2009 Wed Sep 23 16:59:09 -0700 2009 http://www.goodreads.com/book_link/follow/8?book_id=970578