The Oxford Handbook of Atheism
Written by Michael Ruse,Stephen Bullivant
781 pages, about 16 hours of reading
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Themes, characters and key ideas in The Oxford Handbook of Atheism, written by Chaptra AI.
- about 30 hours
- advanced
- academic
- informative
- analytical
The Oxford Handbook of Atheism is a groundbreaking and comprehensive edited volume that meticulously explores the multifaceted phenomenon of atheism, broadly defined as the absence of belief in God or gods. Spanning historical, philosophical, sociological, psychological, and global perspectives, it offers an unparalleled interdisciplinary examination of unbelief. The handbook delves into the diverse manifestations and implications of atheism across different eras and cultures, providing a robust academic framework for understanding this complex and often misunderstood worldview. It serves as an essential reference for scholars and students interested in the philosophy of religion, sociology of religion, and the intellectual history of secularism.
“Atheism is best understood as a family of positions, unified by a common rejection of the existence of God or gods, but diverse in their reasons and implications.”
Key themes
- The Definition and Nature of Atheism
- This theme is central, as the handbook continuously grapples with what constitutes 'atheism.' Contributors explore whether it is merely a negative lack of belief, a positive assertion, a worldview, or a spectrum of positions. It highlights the fluidity and contested nature of the term across history and disciplines.
- Historical Evolution of Unbelief
- The handbook meticulously traces the historical trajectory of atheism, demonstrating that unbelief is not a modern phenomenon but has ancient roots. It explores how philosophical skepticism, scientific advancements, and socio-political changes have shaped the forms and visibility of atheism across different epochs.
- Philosophical Arguments for and Against Atheism
- This theme delves into the intellectual core of atheism, examining the logical, epistemological, and ethical justifications for rejecting belief in God. It also critically analyzes traditional arguments for God's existence (e.g., cosmological, teleological, ontological) and explores the problem of evil as a significant challenge to theism.
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