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Why Atheism?
Is it possible for the nonbeliever to lead a happy and meaningful life?
This is one question George H. Smith, defender of reason and personal liberty and author of an influential contemporary classic on nonbelief, seeks to answer in Why Atheism? Smith reviews the historical roots of nonbelief going back to the ancient Greeks, argues that philosophy can serve as an important alternative to religion, and defends reason as the most reliable method humans have for establishing truth and conducting one's life.
Why Atheism? tackles a wide range of subjects, some of which have never been thoroughly analyzed from an atheistic point of view. Beginning with the problem of atheism's credibility, Smith points out the various ways in which religious opponents have sought to exclude atheism from serious consideration. He also analyzes a number of classical philosophical issues, such as the nature of knowledge and belief, concluding that modern atheism is largely an unintended consequence of the religious diversity brought about by the Protestant Reformation.
Two chapters are devoted to ethics, one focusing on the ethics of belief with particular attention given to the views of Thomas Aquinas and John Locke. Other chapters discuss the persecution of religious dissenters and the features of an ethical system without belief in God. Smith's characteristic lucidity, analytical rigor, and wit make Why Atheism? an accessible and enjoyable guide to living a positive life without belief in a supreme being.
This is one question George H. Smith, defender of reason and personal liberty and author of an influential contemporary classic on nonbelief, seeks to answer in Why Atheism? Smith reviews the historical roots of nonbelief going back to the ancient Greeks, argues that philosophy can serve as an important alternative to religion, and defends reason as the most reliable method humans have for establishing truth and conducting one's life.
Why Atheism? tackles a wide range of subjects, some of which have never been thoroughly analyzed from an atheistic point of view. Beginning with the problem of atheism's credibility, Smith points out the various ways in which religious opponents have sought to exclude atheism from serious consideration. He also analyzes a number of classical philosophical issues, such as the nature of knowledge and belief, concluding that modern atheism is largely an unintended consequence of the religious diversity brought about by the Protestant Reformation.
Two chapters are devoted to ethics, one focusing on the ethics of belief with particular attention given to the views of Thomas Aquinas and John Locke. Other chapters discuss the persecution of religious dissenters and the features of an ethical system without belief in God. Smith's characteristic lucidity, analytical rigor, and wit make Why Atheism? an accessible and enjoyable guide to living a positive life without belief in a supreme being.
250 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2000
About the author
George H. Smith
73 books65 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
George Hamilton Smith was an American author, editor, educator, and speaker, known for his writings on atheism and libertarianism.
George Hamilton Smith was an American author, editor, educator, and speaker, known for his writings on atheism and libertarianism.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
June 19, 2022
Unlike Smith’s previous book, The Case Against God, “Why Atheism?” isn’t a comprehensive refutation of theistic religion, but an argument for taking atheists and atheism seriously. Smith does a better job than most at charitably explaining religious perspectives in order to provide an overview of modern and historical atheist objections and alternatives. This is an excellent book for religious folk looking to better understand the non-theism without feeling overly-attacked.
March 2, 2008
George Smith is one of those writers who is able to approach philosophy in a very un-philosophical way, which is a good thing. His ability enables people who would otherwise miss out on some of the most important discussions that humanity can have. Why Atheism? Reads like a conversation to me: straight forward, to the point, no nonsense.
This book is a follow-up to The Case Against God. Given the title of the first chapter, Coming to Terms, I would argue that this book is written for the person who has began to doubt their belief in God and religion in general. A little less direct and harsh than his previous book, Why Atheism? Proceeds from a simple explanation of logical arguments for atheism, to a small smattering of the history of atheism, to some worn-out arguments for the existence of God and how they do not work, and ends with a section asking some “irreverent questions concerning God.”
Highly recommended to people who have lost faith and have come to that point where they are uncomfortable accepting themselves as atheists, but can no longer accept theological concepts.
This book is a follow-up to The Case Against God. Given the title of the first chapter, Coming to Terms, I would argue that this book is written for the person who has began to doubt their belief in God and religion in general. A little less direct and harsh than his previous book, Why Atheism? Proceeds from a simple explanation of logical arguments for atheism, to a small smattering of the history of atheism, to some worn-out arguments for the existence of God and how they do not work, and ends with a section asking some “irreverent questions concerning God.”
Highly recommended to people who have lost faith and have come to that point where they are uncomfortable accepting themselves as atheists, but can no longer accept theological concepts.
May 30, 2013
this book discusses different philosophical arguments pertaining to the existence of God and atheism. It was really interesting learning about philosophers such as Hume, Hobbes, Descartes, Spinoza, etc. And reading about their different arguments .it made me wish I'd taken more philosophy courses in college. This is really interesting stuff.
September 24, 2020
A lot of interesting thoughts in here, but the 17th century philosophy could have been streamlined a bit more.
August 18, 2008
have to go back and reread this, i was not in a proper state of mind when i read it the first time.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews