RE: 3 simple points to end the discussion with any atheist
September 25, 2018 at 8:16 am
(This post was last modified: September 25, 2018 at 8:19 am by Alan V.)
(September 25, 2018 at 1:43 am)AtlasS33 Wrote: 1-Ask about the design of the universe: this question is very embarrassing to atheists, because the universe is full of signs. From the human body to mathematics, to the value of PI, the universe seems like a pattern designed by the same entity.
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3-Why do we have consciousness?
1. As an atheist, I am not embarrassed to discuss the "design" of the universe. You are assuming God did it, which means you think the consciousness of a God must be behind apparent design. But science already understands why this is not the case. The apparent design of the universe was created by various forms of non-intelligent, material self-organization: stellar evolution, chemistry, abiogenesis, biological evolution, and so on. We haven't nailed down all the details, but the details we do understand support strictly materialistic explanations for apparent design.
3. Again, you are likely defining consciousness as some separate substance rather than as something which can be explained materially. However, scientists already know that the mind is brain-dependent. Consciousness is awareness filtered through a self-concept, and the self-concept is a symbolic construct. The body, and specifically the brain, is what is conscious -- not some free-floating, spiritual self. Assuming some spirit behind consciousness is reifying the self-concept.
The reason why you think both of these points are show-stoppers for atheists is because you define both "design" and "consciousness" differently than we do. To you, the God-concept is embedded in your assumptions about both. Atheists don't share your assumptions.
