
The God Dialogues
A Philosophical Journey
Oxford University Press Inc
Published on 16. April 2015
Book
Paperback/Softback
192 pages
978-0-19-539559-4 (ISBN)
Description
The God Dialogues is an intriguing and extensive philosophical debate about the existence of God. Engaging and accessible, it covers all the main arguments for and against God's existence, from traditional philosophical "proofs" to arguments that involve the latest developments in biology and physics. Three main characters represent the principal views: Theodore Logan, the theist; Eva Lucien, the atheist; and Gene Sesquois, the agnostic. Their debate takes place during a post-college cross-country road trip during which Gene expresses dismay over his future. He wants to do something meaningful with his life but is at a loss as to how to proceed, despite having just earned a degree in engineering. Gene's quandary precipitates a discussion of the meaning of life and its connection to God's existence. This in turn leads to vigorous debates about morality and theism, evidence for and against God's existence, probability and the rationality of belief, and the relationship between faith and reason. The strongest arguments from all three perspectives are fairly represented. An annotated list of suggested readings directs readers to relevant and helpful primary sources.
Assuming no background knowledge, The God Dialogues is ideal for courses in the philosophy of religion, an excellent supplement for introduction to philosophy courses, and a compelling introduction for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Assuming no background knowledge, The God Dialogues is ideal for courses in the philosophy of religion, an excellent supplement for introduction to philosophy courses, and a compelling introduction for anyone with an interest in the subject.
Reviews / Votes
This is a splendid book. The authors have thorough and up-to-date knowledge of the material, and their negotiation of the overall dialectic is extremely sharp. It will be the best introductory text on this topic on the market. The dialogues present a fair and balanced account of the arguments, and for that reason the book will be an attractive option, even in conjunction with an anthology. * Derk Pereboom, Cornell University * The greatest strength of the book is its combination of readability with commendable thoroughness in the topics undertaken. The level is generally perfect for introducing this material to undergraduates. * J. Gregory Keller, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis * A darn good book. * Robert Gressis, California State University, Northridge *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 11 mm
Weight
245 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-539559-4 (9780195395594)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Torin Alter is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Alabama.
Robert J. Howell is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Southern Methodist University.
They are the coauthors of A Dialogue on Consciousness (OUP, 2008).
Robert J. Howell is Associate Professor of Philosophy at Southern Methodist University.
They are the coauthors of A Dialogue on Consciousness (OUP, 2008).
Author
Professor of PhilosophyProfessor of Philosophy, University of Alabama, Northport, AL
Associate Professor of PhilosophyAssociate Professor of Philosophy, Southern Methodist University
Content
1. OUTSIDE BOSTON: GOD, VALUE, AND MEANING; 2. NIAGARA, NEW YORK: DESIGN AND EVOLUTION; 3. FROM NIAGARA TO CHICAGO: LIFE AND FINE-TUNING; 4. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, OUTSIDE THE ADLER PLANETARIUM: THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT; 5. CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, IN THE HOTEL: THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT; 6. SOMEWHERE IN IOWA: RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE, TESTIMONY, AND MIRACLES; 7. HOLCOMB, KANSAS: THE PROBLEM OF EVIL; 8. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: PASCAL'S WAGER; 9. CALIFORNIA: FAITH AND THE RATIONALITY OF BELIEF IN GOD