'...And I'm an Atheist'

[CliveStaples]

Why would you assume that You don't need to know anything about logic (nor science, religion or philosophy in general for that matter) to be an atheist after all.

I agree, but if you value logic and reason, I'd think that you'd take some time to learn about logic and reason. I like to learn about things I'm interested in.

Although it doesn't really matter how concise a statement is if it can't be understood. I guess it depends on how wide an audience you want to reach. I understand some of the basics of logic, but I'm not familiar with much of the symbolic representation of it. What may seem simple to you will likely go over my head until I do some more looking into the subject.

If I thought I was talking to a crowd of average people, I'd have written my arguments differently, that's for sure. It has been my experience that atheists who argue on the internet tend to be highly conversant in logic and science.

Depends on the high school you went to I suppose. I've never had a compulsory philosophy / logic / critical thinking class before. The maths classes I had were often loud and full of distractions. You seem to be using your own experiences as a model for what others should / would know. It may be that they 'should' know, but the fact is many don't.

I knew about symbolic logic because I read about it. My high school education sucked.

You're the one who's ignorant (how's that for provocative!) if you think that the people singing the praises of reason and logic necessarily know (or want to know) something about either.

That seems like quite empty praise, doesn't it? Isn't that like Christians who don't know the Bible, but praise the God it claims exists?

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However, the person who did not understand the meaning if "p=>q", as far as I am aware, has never made any such claim.

If you can't see how you're making broad generalizations and characterizing individuals based on the statements of others who happen to share one characteristic (a lack of belief in deity), then I really can't help you.

I'll make sure to provide very precise definitions when I use symbolic logic in the future. I didn't know that people here were so against it...

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P.S. Just so we're clear, I claim no high ground, moral or otherwise. I just calls 'em likes I sees 'em.

That's pretty much my attitude, too. Which is why it irritates me that your ideological compatriot assumed I was being high-and-mighty.