Antony Flew was a British philosopher renowned for his contributions to the philosophy of religion. He was a prominent advocate for atheism, positing that one should presuppose its truth until empirical evidence for a God emerges. Flew critically examined concepts such as life after death and the meaningfulness of the idea of God. In a later phase of his intellectual journey, he declared a belief in God, attributing this shift to his enduring commitment to follow the evidence wherever it leads.
Antony Flew critically examines various philosophical arguments supporting the existence of the Christian God in this classic work on the philosophy of religion. Known for his long-standing advocacy of atheistic humanism, Flew's recent shift towards theism has sparked debate. Readers are invited to explore his analysis and draw their own conclusions about his philosophical journey.
Focusing on the implications of the term "mental disease," Antony Flew critiques its misuse, arguing that it can excuse individuals from fulfilling their responsibilities. He challenges the broad application of this concept in both the U.S. and Europe, advocating for the preservation of human dignity and accountability. By addressing the overreach of mental health classifications, Flew emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual responsibility rather than labeling people as universally "sick."
[This] is the most important question regarding the claims of the Christian faith. Certainly no question in modern religious history demands more attention or interest, as witnessed by the vast body of literature dealing with the Resurrection. James I. Packer says it well in his response to this 'When Christians are asked to make good their claim that this scheme is truth, they point to Jesus' resurrection. The Easter event, so they affirm, demonstrated Jesus' deity; validated his teaching; attested to the completion of his work of atonement for sin; confirms his present cosmic dominion and coming reappearance as Judge; assures us that his personal pardon, presence, and power in people's lives today is fact; and guarantees each believer's own reembodiment by Resurrection in the world to come' The Apostle Paul considered the Resurrection to be the cornerstone of the Christian faith. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, the whole structure, Christianity, collapses. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:14-17, 'And if Christ has not been raised, 'our preaching is useless and so is you faith' More than that, we are then found to be false witnesses about God. . . . And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile [emphasis added]' The Christian faith-and its claim to be Truth-exists only if Jesus rose from the dead. The heart of Christianity is a living Christ.
In There Is a God, one of the world's preeminent atheists discloses how his commitment to "follow the argument wherever it leads" led him to a belief in God as Creator. This is a compelling and refreshingly open-minded argument that will forever change the atheism debate.
Exploring the profound question of our existence in a future state, the book delves into the complexities surrounding personal identity and continuity over time. It addresses the philosophical dilemmas related to what it means to remain the same person in different states of existence, inviting readers to contemplate the implications of identity in the context of life after death. Through thought-provoking analysis, it challenges conventional notions and encourages deep reflection on the essence of self.
A Study of His First 'Inquiry'
Focusing on Hume's first Inquiry, this book examines it as a standalone work, distinct from his other writings like the Treatise and the Dialogues. It emphasizes Hume's desire to be evaluated based on his mature works, using his other texts only as supplementary evidence. The analysis provides a fresh perspective on Hume's philosophical contributions, allowing readers to appreciate the significance of the Inquiry in the context of his overall body of work.
Comprehensive and up-to-date, this new edition of A Dictionary of Philosophy spans 2500 years of philosophical thought and offers a reference to the student of philosophy and the general reader alike. It has extensive coverage of modern and historical fields, encompassing personalities, terminology, and vocabulary; it extends from the classical thinkers through Aquinas, Escartes, Spinoza, and Kant to Russell, Wittgenstein, Husserl, Baudrillard, and Derrida; and particular attention is given to continental philosophy. There are over 2000 entries, with full cross-references.
