Seminar

Time: 9 December, 10.15-12.00

Place: J317

Zoom: https://gu-se.zoom.us/j/6459240329

During this seminar we will be addressing the critical response to New Atheism. We will be discussing the arguments and themes that are reoccurring in the New Atheism debate, and what their foundation for the arguments against religion is.

Assignment

Read Cotter et al. New Atheism: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Debates. Be prepared to discuss the following questions during the seminar:

What points of criticism are put forward in the book concerning New Atheist depictions of religion?
What points of criticism are put forward concerning the work of New Atheist proponents such as Dawkins, Dennet, Harris and Hitchens in terms of open-mindedness, critical thinking, and epistemic vices?
How is New Atheism discussed in relation to gender?
Are there any points on which the contributors of the book agrees with the subjects of their criticism, i.e., the New Atheists?
You should also formulate one question of your own on the basis of the literature that you would like to bring up for discussion during the seminar.

You can also (non-mandatory) make use of the discussion forum on Canvas for discussing the literature and related questions before and after the seminar.

Reading list

Cotter et al., New Atheism: Critical Perspectives and Contemporary Debates. Whole book