The Atheism Tapes: Ep. 1 Colin McGinn — Arguments against God (full video)

I recently checked out The Atheism Tapes: Episode 1 with Colin McGinn on Netflix streaming. British philosopher and professor at the University of Miami Colin McGinn states his arguments against God, mainly centered on whether or not belief is required to live a meaningful human life. Additionally, he discusses whether humanity would be better off if such belief did not exist (whether religion does more harm than good).

I’d like to believe that, although horrendous things have happened (and are happening) in the name of religion, spiritual belief still benefits humanity as a whole more than it hurts. I’d like to believe religion acts as a guide for the less independently thinking and less enlightened human masses. Of course, one could counter this hope with the fact that stupid people do very stupid things (and vote stupidly) using religion as an excuse…

To be clear, I do believe in God, though I wouldn’t presume to know what form it would take. Regardless, watching this discussion was a good way to explore and challenge my own thoughts. Avoiding contrasting arguments to your personal ideas only does you more harm, and it disgraces the brain that the great Flying Spaghetti Monster gave you.

Viewer warning: McGinn also states the hard fact that unicorns don’t exist.

The Atheism Tapes: Ep. 1 Colin McGinn

English philosopher McGinn speaks about the various reasons for not believing in God, and some of the reasons for. He gives a thorough treatment of the ontological argument. In addition, McGinn draws an important distinction between atheism (lack of belief in a deity) and antitheism (active opposition to theism); he identifies himself as both an atheist and an antitheist. Finally, he speculates about a post-theistic society.