Debate with a Christian

[Mudhammam]

I'm just wondering why they even care. I mean, whether there existed an actual man that the stories of the bible are based upon seems like such a trivial topic.

The mainline atheist response would be something to the effect:

!!!!Religion is dangerous!!!!

Many no doubt see themselves as valiant warriors against the social ills fostered by those who are religious.

Shouldn't we all see ourselves that way, especially Christians?

---

Guys, empiricism is self-refuting because you cannot empirically demonstrate that other minds and thoughts exist.. so maybe ghosts and zombies who love us and live hidden inside us are like that... And can be real too...


Um. No. Try harder.

Empiricism is the theory of knowledge which states that in order for a proposition (P) to be taken as true, it must be subject to verification via empirical means.

Decades ago philosophers came to realize that Empiricism is far too restrictive a theory of knowledge and even more so, is demonstrably self refuting. The proposition, "In order for a proposition (P) to be taken as true, it must be subject to verification via empirical means" is itself not subject to verification via empirical means, and thus fails to meet its own criteria and refutes itself.

Now the concepts I keep having to teach you are things learned in first year philosophy. This material is not exceptionally difficult to learn and is in fact foundational to more advanced concepts in philosophy of science.

Now either you just do not know these things or you do and are not using the knowledge you possess to come up with anything substantial.

Which is it?

You fail to grasp the distinction between objectivity and subjective experience, and moreover what is required in public discourse to elevate a claim from subjective opinion to verifiable fact or piece of knowledge.