Difference between revisions of "New Atheism"

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[[File:Richard Dawkins pic.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|225px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]]  ]]
 
[[File:Richard Dawkins pic.jpg|alt=Richard Dawkins|thumbnail|225px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]]  ]]
The term New [[Atheism]] which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008.  These authors include [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]], [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Victor J. Stenger]] and [[Christopher Hitchens]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref> The four most prominent writers of the New Atheist movement are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett and they have commonly been called "the four horsemen" of New Atheism. [[PZ Myers]] dubbed himself the fifth horseman of the New Atheism movement, but the term never caught on and he was mocked by some fellow atheists such as [[Michael Nugent]].<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/11/04/chronology-of-misrepresentations-and-smears-in-the-atheist-movement-by-pz-myers-and-others/ Chronology of misrepresentations and smears in the atheist movement by PZ Myers and others] by Michael Nugent on November 4, 2014</ref><ref>[http://thehumanist.com/magazine/november-december-2009/features/comes-a-horseman Comes a Horseman] by PZ Myers • 13 October 2009</ref><ref>[http://skeptischism.com/atheismneat/ PZ Myers, Animal Lover], Atheism Neat by Matt Cavanaugh</ref>
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The term New [[Atheism]] which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of ''Wired'' magazine, is frequently applied to a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008.  These authors include [[Richard Dawkins]], [[Christopher Hitchens]], [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]] and [[Victor J. Stenger]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>  
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The four most prominent writers of the New Atheist movement are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett and they have commonly been called "the four horsemen" of New Atheism. [[PZ Myers]] dubbed himself the fifth horseman of the New Atheism movement, but the term never caught on and he was mocked by some fellow atheists such as [[Michael Nugent]].<ref>[http://www.michaelnugent.com/2014/11/04/chronology-of-misrepresentations-and-smears-in-the-atheist-movement-by-pz-myers-and-others/ Chronology of misrepresentations and smears in the atheist movement by PZ Myers and others] by Michael Nugent on November 4, 2014</ref><ref>[http://thehumanist.com/magazine/november-december-2009/features/comes-a-horseman Comes a Horseman] by PZ Myers • 13 October 2009</ref><ref>[http://skeptischism.com/atheismneat/ PZ Myers, Animal Lover], Atheism Neat by Matt Cavanaugh</ref>
  
 
An irony of the New Atheist movement is that New Atheism is a [[militant atheism|militant form of atheism]] and Richard Dawkins has flip-flopped concerning whether he is an atheist or an agnostic (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).  
 
An irony of the New Atheist movement is that New Atheism is a [[militant atheism|militant form of atheism]] and Richard Dawkins has flip-flopped concerning whether he is an atheist or an agnostic (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]).  
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=== Richard Dawkins and Elevatorgate ===
 
=== Richard Dawkins and Elevatorgate ===
 
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[[File:David-Allen-Green.jpg|thumbnail|200px|[[David Allen Green]] wrote: "Can [[Richard Dawkins]] still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> ]]
 
[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving new atheist Richard Dawkins' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the [[Atheism|atheist]] community and to the public at large.<ref>
 
[[Elevatorgate]] is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving new atheist Richard Dawkins' 2011 comments made to atheist [[Rebecca Watson]] which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the [[Atheism|atheist]] community and to the public at large.<ref>
 
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
 
*[http://www.salon.com/life/feature/2011/07/08/atheist_flirting Richard Dawkins: Skeptic of women? - Salon, July 8, 2011]
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The ''New Statesman'' reporter and fellow [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] [[David Allen Green]] said he believed Dawkins was a [[sexism|misogynist]] and a racist.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> In addition, Green wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref>
 
The ''New Statesman'' reporter and fellow [[Philosophical skepticism|skeptic]] [[David Allen Green]] said he believed Dawkins was a [[sexism|misogynist]] and a racist.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref> In addition, Green wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/david-allen-green/2011/07/richard-dawkins-chewing-gum Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011]</ref>
  
Elevatorgate created negative press for Richard Dawkins in a number of major news outlets (see: [[Elevatorgate news stories - Chronological order]]) and within the atheist movement/atheist population (see: [[Atheist movement]]).  As a result of Elevatorgate, Dawkins popularity among atheists and the public at large plunged (see: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).
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Elevatorgate created negative press for Richard Dawkins in a number of major news outlets (see: [[Elevatorgate news stories - Chronological order]]) and within the atheist movement/atheist population (see: [[Atheist movement]]).  As a result of Elevatorgate, Dawkins popularity among atheists and the public at large plunged (see: [[Richard Dawkins' loss of influence]]).  
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See also: [[Internet atheism|Decline of internet atheism]] and [[Google trends - Atheism and agnosticism terms]]
  
 
=== Sam Harris and charges of misogny ===
 
=== Sam Harris and charges of misogny ===
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*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013
 
*[http://www.salon.com/2013/03/30/dawkins_harris_hitchens_new_atheists_flirt_with_islamophobia/ Dawkins, Harris, Hitchens: New Atheists flirt with Islamophobia] by Nathan Lean, ''Salon'', March 30, 2013
 
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April, 2013</ref>
 
*[http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/apr/03/sam-harris-muslim-animus Sam Harris, the New Atheists, and anti-Muslim animus] by Glenn Greenwald, ''The Guardian'', April 3, 2013</ref> On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of [[Islam]]/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2013/04/new-atheism-should-be-able-criticise-islam-without-being-accused-islamophobia New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia] by Andrew Zak Williams, ''New Statesman'', Published 19 April, 2013</ref>
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Christopher Hitchens displayed provocative rhetoric and bloodlust towards radical Islamacists.<ref>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens''
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By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref>  At the opening of the [[David Horowitz]] Freedom Center, Hitchens said of radical Islamacists, "It is a pleasure and a duty to kill these people".<ref>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens''
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By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref>  Hitchens said of [[Iran]], "As for that benighted country, I wouldn't shed a tear if it was wiped off the face of this earth”.<ref>''UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens'' By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92</ref>
  
 
On June 21, 2014 Harris published an article on his website entitled ''Response to Critics'' which was a response to his critics who accuse him of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/response-to-controversy Response to Critics] by Sam Harris, June 21, 2014</ref>
 
On June 21, 2014 Harris published an article on his website entitled ''Response to Critics'' which was a response to his critics who accuse him of Islamophobia.<ref>[http://www.samharris.org/blog/item/response-to-controversy Response to Critics] by Sam Harris, June 21, 2014</ref>
  
 
== New Atheism seen as a narrow and dogmatic religion ==
 
== New Atheism seen as a narrow and dogmatic religion ==
 
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[[File:2402173645 c8e6168fe7.jpg|thumbnail|200px|right|Richard Dawkins ]]
 
''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and anger]]
 
''See also:'' [[Atheism is a religion]] and [[Atheism and arrogance]] and [[Militant atheism]] and [[Atheism and anger]]
  
 
Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that New Atheists very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as  “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>  Of the 75,000 words in [[Sam Harris]]'s ''The End of Faith'', 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>   
 
Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that New Atheists very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as  “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>  Of the 75,000 words in [[Sam Harris]]'s ''The End of Faith'', 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.<ref>[http://www.thisviewoflife.com/index.php/magazine/articles/why-sam-harris-is-unlikely-to-change-his-mind10 Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind] by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm</ref>   
[[File:2402173645 c8e6168fe7.jpg|260px|right|[[Richard Dawkins]] ]]
 
 
In a 2014 ''New Republic'' article entitled ''The Closed Mind of [[Richard Dawkins]]: His atheism is its own kind of narrow religion'', the atheist philosopher [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] wrote:
 
In a 2014 ''New Republic'' article entitled ''The Closed Mind of [[Richard Dawkins]]: His atheism is its own kind of narrow religion'', the atheist philosopher [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]] wrote:
 
{{cquote|One might wager a decent sum of money that it has never occurred to Dawkins that to many people he appears as a comic figure. His default mode is one of rational indignation—a stance of withering patrician disdain for the untutored mind of a kind one might expect in a schoolmaster in a minor public school sometime in the 1930s. He seems to have no suspicion that any of those he despises could find his stilted pose of indignant rationality merely laughable. “I am not a good observer,” he writes modestly. He is referring to his observations of animals and plants, but his weakness applies more obviously in the case of humans. Transfixed in wonderment at the workings of his own mind, Dawkins misses much that is of importance in human beings—himself and others.<ref>[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray</ref>}}
 
{{cquote|One might wager a decent sum of money that it has never occurred to Dawkins that to many people he appears as a comic figure. His default mode is one of rational indignation—a stance of withering patrician disdain for the untutored mind of a kind one might expect in a schoolmaster in a minor public school sometime in the 1930s. He seems to have no suspicion that any of those he despises could find his stilted pose of indignant rationality merely laughable. “I am not a good observer,” he writes modestly. He is referring to his observations of animals and plants, but his weakness applies more obviously in the case of humans. Transfixed in wonderment at the workings of his own mind, Dawkins misses much that is of importance in human beings—himself and others.<ref>[http://www.newrepublic.com/article/119596/appetite-wonder-review-closed-mind-richard-dawkins ''The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins''], New Republic by John Gray</ref>}}
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The New Atheism movement, which has waned in recent years, was called a cult by the [[agnosticism|agnostic]], journalist Bryan Appleyard in a 2012 article in the ''New Statesman'' in which he describes the abusive behavior of New Atheists.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2012/02/neo-atheism-atheists-dawkins ''The God wars'' by Bryan Appleyard], ''New Statesman''</ref> Although the New Atheism movement does not perfectly fit the various characteristics of a cult, it does fit some of the characteristics.<ref>[http://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/how-cultish-is-new-atheism/ How cultish is the New Atheism?]</ref>
 
The New Atheism movement, which has waned in recent years, was called a cult by the [[agnosticism|agnostic]], journalist Bryan Appleyard in a 2012 article in the ''New Statesman'' in which he describes the abusive behavior of New Atheists.<ref>[http://www.newstatesman.com/religion/2012/02/neo-atheism-atheists-dawkins ''The God wars'' by Bryan Appleyard], ''New Statesman''</ref> Although the New Atheism movement does not perfectly fit the various characteristics of a cult, it does fit some of the characteristics.<ref>[http://shadowtolight.wordpress.com/2012/11/20/how-cultish-is-new-atheism/ How cultish is the New Atheism?]</ref>
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Most of the allegations around New Atheism being a cult have been due to the behavior of Richard Dawkins and his fans (see: [[Richard Dawkins' cult of personality]]).
  
 
== Impact of the New Atheism ==
 
== Impact of the New Atheism ==
The "New Atheism" has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to [[atheism]].  In a March 10, 2008 [[USA Today]] article Stephen Prothero stated the following regarding the impact of the "New Atheism":
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The New Atheism has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to [[atheism]].  In a March 10, 2008 [[USA Today]] article Stephen Prothero stated the following regarding the impact of the "New Atheism":
 
{{cquote|Numbers lie, but they also tell tales untrustworthy and otherwise.  So the key question stirring around the much discussed U.S Religious Landscape Survey released in late February by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life is what tale does it state about the state of the union.
 
{{cquote|Numbers lie, but they also tell tales untrustworthy and otherwise.  So the key question stirring around the much discussed U.S Religious Landscape Survey released in late February by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life is what tale does it state about the state of the union.
  
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These increasingly hysterical books may boost the pension, they may be morale boosters for a particular kind of American atheism that feels victimized - the latest candidate in a flourishing American tradition - but one suspects that they are going to do very little to challenge the appeal of a phenomenon they loathe too much to understand.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2074076,00.html</ref>}}
 
These increasingly hysterical books may boost the pension, they may be morale boosters for a particular kind of American atheism that feels victimized - the latest candidate in a flourishing American tradition - but one suspects that they are going to do very little to challenge the appeal of a phenomenon they loathe too much to understand.<ref>http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2074076,00.html</ref>}}
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=== Letter to Richard Dawkins from Oxford atheist and academic Daniel Came ===
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[[File:Billcraig czvx.jpg|thumbnail|260px|right|[[William Lane Craig]]  ]]
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In a letter to the agnostic and [[evolution|evolutionist]] Richard Dawkins which was subsequently quoted by ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', Oxford University atheist and professor [[Daniel Came]] wrote concerning Dawkins' refusal to debate the [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologist]] [[William Lane Craig]]:
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"The absence of a debate with the foremost [[Christian apologetics|apologist]] for [[Christianity|Christian]] [[theism]] is a glaring omission on your [[Curriculum vitae|CV]] and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."<ref>[http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/8511931/Richard-Dawkins-accused-of-cowardice-for-refusing-to-debate-existence-of-God.html Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God], ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', May 14, 2011</ref>
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One of the frequent criticisms of the New Atheism movement is that it avoids the strongest arguments of its opponents.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFamS4RGE_A Richard Dawkins says he won't debate William Lane Craig</ref> See also: [[Atheism and cowardice]] and [[Richard Dawkins and debate]]
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=== Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig ===
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Christopher Hitchens debated William Lane Craig at Biola University in 2009 in a videotaped debate.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KBx4vvlbZ8 Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009].</ref> The atheist Luke Muehlhauser wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."<ref>[http://commonsenseatheism.com/?p=1230#sthash.mPNNrzlt.dpuf The Craig-Hitchens Debate] by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig</ref>
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=== Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate ===
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See: [[Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate]]
  
 
=== Christian backlash against the New Atheism ===
 
=== Christian backlash against the New Atheism ===
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== New Atheism leaders and problems with being overweight ==
 
== New Atheism leaders and problems with being overweight ==
[[Image:Cerebellum.jpg|right|thumb|240px|Medical research indicates that excess weight impairs brain function.<ref>
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[[Image:Hitchens,_Stanford.jpg‎ |right|thumb|200px|Christopher Hitchens]]
*[http://pn.psychiatryonline.org/content/41/18/25.1.full]
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As noted earlier,  the main authors of the New Atheism movement include Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, Victor J. Stenger and Christopher Hitchens.<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>  The New Atheism movement claims to be pro-science, yet 3 out of 5 of these men have have had issues with being overweight as can be seen [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXgxH_-MgFI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EU-wzxEjOmc/s1600-h/atheist-reason.jpg HERE] and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/7230309@N05/3708479160/ HERE] and [http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Quantum-Mechanics-Could-Link-Humans-with-the-Universe-2.jpg/ HERE]. [[PZ Myers]] is also a leader within the New Atheism movement and PZ Myers [[PZ Myers|has had issues with being overweight]].  
*[http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/brain-and-behavior/articles/2009/08/25/as-waistlines-widen-brains-shrink.html]
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*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21167850]
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*[http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100714112832.htm]
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*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/instance/2568718/]</ref>]]
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''see also:'' [[New Atheism leadership's problem with excess weight]]
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As noted earlier,  the main authors of the New Atheism movement include [[Sam Harris]], [[Daniel Dennett]], [[Richard Dawkins]], Victor J. Stenger and [[Christopher Hitchens]].<ref>http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html</ref>  The New Atheism movement claims to be pro-science, yet 3 out of 5 of these men have have had issues with being overweight as can be seen [http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_3UXl0oMYPLs/SXgxH_-MgFI/AAAAAAAAAF4/EU-wzxEjOmc/s1600-h/atheist-reason.jpg HERE] and [http://www.flickr.com/photos/7230309@N05/3708479160/ HERE] and [http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/Quantum-Mechanics-Could-Link-Humans-with-the-Universe-2.jpg/ HERE]. [[PZ Myers]] is also a leader within the New Atheism movement and PZ Myers [[PZ Myers|has had issues with being overweight]].  
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The [[Ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] [[Richard Dawkins]] has publicly indicated that he is an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]). Since Dawkins is an an agnostic and not an atheist, this would mean that 3 out of 4 of the atheist founders of the New Atheism movement had excess weight issues. At a 75% of individuals overweight population, this would make the atheist founders of the New Atheist movement one of the most overweight populations in world history in terms of the percentage of people overweight.<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/world/statistics/obesity.html Fattest Countries in the World]</ref><ref>[http://histowiki.com/2244/history/obesity-history-timeline/ The History Of Obesity Timeline]</ref>
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Although he flip-flops between public personas of declaring himself an atheist and agnostic, the [[Ex-atheists|ex-atheist]] Richard Dawkins has publicly indicated that he is an [[agnosticism|agnostic]] (see: [[Richard Dawkins and agnosticism]]). Since Dawkins is an an agnostic and not an atheist, this would mean that 3 out of 4 of the atheist founders of the New Atheism movement had excess weight issues. At a 75% of individuals overweight population, this would make the atheist founders of the New Atheist movement one of the most overweight populations in world history in terms of the percentage of people overweight.<ref>[http://www.infoplease.com/world/statistics/obesity.html Fattest Countries in the World]</ref><ref>[http://histowiki.com/2244/history/obesity-history-timeline/ The History Of Obesity Timeline]</ref>
  
[[Hippocrates]], who was also against [[abortion]], was an early advocate of the health benefits of [[exercise]] and [[nutrition]].[http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/pe/exs190web/exs190history.htm]  
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[[Hippocrates]], who was also against [[abortion]], was an early advocate of the health benefits of [[exercise]] and [[nutrition]].<ref>[http://jan.ucc.nau.edu/pe/exs190web/exs190history.htm A brief history of exercise]</ref>
  
On the other hand, [[PZ Myers]] and a significant amount of other New Atheism leaders, seem to lack a full appreciation of the worthiness of [[nutritional science]], [[exercise science]] and the latest findings of [[medical science]]. (see: also [[Atheism and obesity]]). As of May 2011, Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris have not publicly commented on the significant problems the New Atheism leadership has experienced in terms of overweight members.
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On the other hand, [[PZ Myers]] and a significant amount of other New Atheism leaders, seem to lack a full appreciation of the worthiness of [[nutritional science]], [[exercise science]] and the latest findings of [[medical science]]. (see: also [[Atheism and obesity]]). This is rather ironic given the purported commitment to science that new atheists often claim. See also: [[Atheist hypocrisy]]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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==External Links==
 
==External Links==
  
*[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray]]
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*[http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/mar/03/what-scares-the-new-atheists What scares the new atheists] by [[John Gray (philosopher)|John Gray]]
 
*[http://www.svchapel.org/resources/articles/22-contemporary-issues/587-the-new-atheism The New Atheism] by Gary Gilley  
 
*[http://www.svchapel.org/resources/articles/22-contemporary-issues/587-the-new-atheism The New Atheism] by Gary Gilley  
 
*[http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/02/07/the-new-atheism-and-the-dogma-of-darwinism/ The New Atheism and the Dogma of Darwinism] by Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr.
 
*[http://www.albertmohler.com/2011/02/07/the-new-atheism-and-the-dogma-of-darwinism/ The New Atheism and the Dogma of Darwinism] by Dr. Albert Mohler, Jr.

Revision as of 18:05, July 17, 2015

The term New Atheism which first appeared in the November 2006 edition of Wired magazine, is frequently applied to a series of six best-selling books by five authors that appeared in the period between 2004–2008. These authors include Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett and Victor J. Stenger.[1]

The four most prominent writers of the New Atheist movement are Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Christopher Hitchens and Daniel Dennett and they have commonly been called "the four horsemen" of New Atheism. PZ Myers dubbed himself the fifth horseman of the New Atheism movement, but the term never caught on and he was mocked by some fellow atheists such as Michael Nugent.[2][3][4]

An irony of the New Atheist movement is that New Atheism is a militant form of atheism and Richard Dawkins has flip-flopped concerning whether he is an atheist or an agnostic (see: Richard Dawkins and agnosticism).

Dissent Magazine declared concerning the New Atheism:

A number of prominent authors and scientists have published books in the past year that advocate a "New Atheism." The books, which include Daniel Dennett's Breaking the Spell, Richard Dawkins's The God Delusion, and Christopher Hitchens's God is Not Great, have sparked considerable public controversy across the political spectrum.[5]
Dr. Albert Mohler Jr.

Dr. Alfred Mohler Jr. describes some of the key attributes of the "New Atheism":

Now, WIRED magazine comes out with a cover story on atheism for its November 2006 issue. In "The New Atheism," WIRED contributing editor Gary Wolf explains that this newly assertive form of atheism declares a very simple message: "No heaven. No hell. Just science."...

Wolf accomplishes a great deal in his article, thoughtfully introducing the work of militant atheists such as Dawkins, Harris, and Dennett. At the same time, he probes more deeply into the actual meaning of the New Atheism as a movement and a message.

At the beginning of his article, he gets right to the point: "The New Atheists will not let us off the hook simply because we are not doctrinaire believers. They condemn not just belief in God but respect for belief in God. Religion is not only wrong; it's evil. Now that the battle has been joined, there's no excuse for shirking."[6]

New Atheism movement and contention between atheist men and women

See also: Abrasiveness of Richard Dawkins and Atheism and arrogance

Founders of the New Atheism movement Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, have elevated the amount of contention between men and women within the atheist population and there are now frequently complaints from women that there is a significant amount of misogny within the atheist community and that its leadership is too heavily populated with men.[7][8][9]

Richard Dawkins and Elevatorgate

David Allen Green wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."[10]

Elevatorgate is a term commonly used to describe a scandal involving new atheist Richard Dawkins' 2011 comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson which are perceived to have been inappropriate by a sizable portion of the atheist community and to the public at large.[11]

Subsequently, Richard Dawkins was widely criticized within the atheist community and in various press outlets for his insensitive comments made to atheist Rebecca Watson about the incident which occurred in an elevator (see: Richard Dawkins initial Elevatorgate comments).[12]

According to Rebecca Watson atheist women are often punished for being outspoken - particularly when they speak about feminism.[13] In August of 2013, Watson said the harassment she received from male atheists skyrocketed after Elevatorgate. [14]

Furthermore, she said she still receives harassment from male fans of Richard Dawkins.[15] The atheist feminist Dr. Sikivu Hutchinson concurs with Watson and says that sexual harassment has been institutionalized within the atheist movement and that atheist men have an investment in censoring, controlling and policing women and also have an investment in "male privilege".[16]

Elevatorgate and negative press

The New Statesman reporter and fellow skeptic David Allen Green said he believed Dawkins was a misogynist and a racist.[17] In addition, Green wrote: "Can Richard Dawkins still credibly pose as a champion of rational thinking and an evidence-based approach? In my opinion, he certainly cannot, at least not in the way he did before."[18]

Elevatorgate created negative press for Richard Dawkins in a number of major news outlets (see: Elevatorgate news stories - Chronological order) and within the atheist movement/atheist population (see: Atheist movement). As a result of Elevatorgate, Dawkins popularity among atheists and the public at large plunged (see: Richard Dawkins' loss of influence).

See also: Decline of internet atheism and Google trends - Atheism and agnosticism terms

Sam Harris and charges of misogny

See also: Atheism and women and Atheism and sexism

Like his fellow new atheist Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris has raised the ire of feminists.[19][20][21] See also: Elevatorgate

In 2014, Harris said that atheist activism lacks an “estrogen vibe” and was “to some degree intrinsically male”.[22]

On October 3, 2014, Salon magazine published an online article titled, Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris?[23] On September 20 2014, the feminist blogger Libby Anne wrote an article entitled Is Sam Harris Sexist?[24] Atheist Sam Fincke wrote a piece entitled On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics.[25]

In his defense, Harris published an article on his website titled, “I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For”[26]

New Atheism and charges of Islamophobia

See also: Atheism vs. Islam

The new atheists Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins and the late Christopher Hitchens have received multiple accusations of engaging in Islamophobic behavior.[27] On the other hand, defenders of atheist criticisms of Islam/Muslims indicated that New Atheists should be able to criticize Islam without being accused of Islamophobia.[28]

Christopher Hitchens displayed provocative rhetoric and bloodlust towards radical Islamacists.[29] At the opening of the David Horowitz Freedom Center, Hitchens said of radical Islamacists, "It is a pleasure and a duty to kill these people".[30] Hitchens said of Iran, "As for that benighted country, I wouldn't shed a tear if it was wiped off the face of this earth”.[31]

On June 21, 2014 Harris published an article on his website entitled Response to Critics which was a response to his critics who accuse him of Islamophobia.[32]

New Atheism seen as a narrow and dogmatic religion

Richard Dawkins

See also: Atheism is a religion and Atheism and arrogance and Militant atheism and Atheism and anger

Using special text analysis software, the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt found that New Atheists very often wrote in dogmatic terms in their major works using words such as “always,” “never,” “certainly,” “every,” and “undeniable.”[33] Of the 75,000 words in Sam Harris's The End of Faith, 2.24% of them connote or are associated with certainty.[34] In a 2014 New Republic article entitled The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins: His atheism is its own kind of narrow religion, the atheist philosopher John Gray wrote:

One might wager a decent sum of money that it has never occurred to Dawkins that to many people he appears as a comic figure. His default mode is one of rational indignation—a stance of withering patrician disdain for the untutored mind of a kind one might expect in a schoolmaster in a minor public school sometime in the 1930s. He seems to have no suspicion that any of those he despises could find his stilted pose of indignant rationality merely laughable. “I am not a good observer,” he writes modestly. He is referring to his observations of animals and plants, but his weakness applies more obviously in the case of humans. Transfixed in wonderment at the workings of his own mind, Dawkins misses much that is of importance in human beings—himself and others.[35]

For more information, please see:

Cultish characteristics

See also: Atheist cults and Richard Dawkins' cult of personality

The New Atheism movement, which has waned in recent years, was called a cult by the agnostic, journalist Bryan Appleyard in a 2012 article in the New Statesman in which he describes the abusive behavior of New Atheists.[36] Although the New Atheism movement does not perfectly fit the various characteristics of a cult, it does fit some of the characteristics.[37]

Most of the allegations around New Atheism being a cult have been due to the behavior of Richard Dawkins and his fans (see: Richard Dawkins' cult of personality).

Impact of the New Atheism

The New Atheism has not had much of an impact in terms of gaining new adherents to atheism. In a March 10, 2008 USA Today article Stephen Prothero stated the following regarding the impact of the "New Atheism":

Numbers lie, but they also tell tales untrustworthy and otherwise. So the key question stirring around the much discussed U.S Religious Landscape Survey released in late February by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life is what tale does it state about the state of the union.

For some, the story of this survey, based on interviews in multiple languages with more than 35,000 adults, is the strength of American Religion.

Not too long ago, I wrote that American atheism was going the way of the freak show. As books by Christopher Hitchens and other "new atheists" climbed the best seller lists, I caught a lot of flak for that prophecy. But atheist make up only 1.6% of respondents to this survey....[38]

A prime reason for the ineffectiveness of the "new atheism" is the shallowness of its material. For example, even atheist philosopher Michael Ruse stated that that Richard Dawkins' book The God Delusion made him "embarrassed to be an atheist".[39]

The "New Atheism" largely has a unfavorable view outside the United States as well. The liberal leaning British publication The Guardian stated the following regarding the "New Atheism":

Anti-faith proselytising is a growth industry. But its increasingly hysterical flag-bearers are heading for a spectacular failure...

These increasingly hysterical books may boost the pension, they may be morale boosters for a particular kind of American atheism that feels victimized - the latest candidate in a flourishing American tradition - but one suspects that they are going to do very little to challenge the appeal of a phenomenon they loathe too much to understand.[40]

Letter to Richard Dawkins from Oxford atheist and academic Daniel Came

In a letter to the agnostic and evolutionist Richard Dawkins which was subsequently quoted by The Daily Telegraph, Oxford University atheist and professor Daniel Came wrote concerning Dawkins' refusal to debate the Christian apologist William Lane Craig:

"The absence of a debate with the foremost apologist for Christian theism is a glaring omission on your CV and is of course apt to be interpreted as cowardice on your part."[41]

One of the frequent criticisms of the New Atheism movement is that it avoids the strongest arguments of its opponents.[42] See also: Atheism and cowardice and Richard Dawkins and debate

Christopher Hitchens' debate against William Lane Craig

Christopher Hitchens debated William Lane Craig at Biola University in 2009 in a videotaped debate.[43] The atheist Luke Muehlhauser wrote concerning the debate: "The debate went exactly as I expected. Craig was flawless and unstoppable. Hitchens was rambling and incoherent, with the occasional rhetorical jab. Frankly, Craig spanked Hitchens like a foolish child."[44]

Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate

See: Sam Harris vs. William Lane Craig debate

Christian backlash against the New Atheism

An April 17. 2011 an atheist essay entitled Are atheists strengthening religion? declared:

The Christian backlash and response to new atheism is/was considerable, and neither can the consequences, changes, and foci which marked their response be ignored.

In the end, have we simply made the aforementioned goal more difficult to accomplish.[45]

Subsequent to the New Atheism campaign, the Christian apologetics organizations Ratio Christi and Trinity Graduate School of Apologetics and Theology were founded.

New Atheism leaders and problems with being overweight

Christopher Hitchens

As noted earlier, the main authors of the New Atheism movement include Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, Victor J. Stenger and Christopher Hitchens.[46] The New Atheism movement claims to be pro-science, yet 3 out of 5 of these men have have had issues with being overweight as can be seen HERE and HERE and HERE. PZ Myers is also a leader within the New Atheism movement and PZ Myers has had issues with being overweight.

Although he flip-flops between public personas of declaring himself an atheist and agnostic, the ex-atheist Richard Dawkins has publicly indicated that he is an agnostic (see: Richard Dawkins and agnosticism). Since Dawkins is an an agnostic and not an atheist, this would mean that 3 out of 4 of the atheist founders of the New Atheism movement had excess weight issues. At a 75% of individuals overweight population, this would make the atheist founders of the New Atheist movement one of the most overweight populations in world history in terms of the percentage of people overweight.[47][48]

Hippocrates, who was also against abortion, was an early advocate of the health benefits of exercise and nutrition.[49]

On the other hand, PZ Myers and a significant amount of other New Atheism leaders, seem to lack a full appreciation of the worthiness of nutritional science, exercise science and the latest findings of medical science. (see: also Atheism and obesity). This is rather ironic given the purported commitment to science that new atheists often claim. See also: Atheist hypocrisy

See also

External Links


Video:

Notes

  1. http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html
  2. Chronology of misrepresentations and smears in the atheist movement by PZ Myers and others by Michael Nugent on November 4, 2014
  3. Comes a Horseman by PZ Myers • 13 October 2009
  4. PZ Myers, Animal Lover, Atheism Neat by Matt Cavanaugh
  5. http://dissentmagazine.org/article/?article=928
  6. http://www.albertmohler.com/commentary_read.php?cdate=2006-11-21
  7. Will “New Atheism” Make Room For Women?, Ms. Magazine
  8. Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011
  9. Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video
  10. Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video
  11. Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video
  12. Calling All Female Atheists - Huffington Post - video
  13. Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011
  14. Sharing a lift with Richard Dawkins by David Allen Green - New Stateman - 06 July 2011
  15. Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris? by Amanda Marcotte, Salon magazine, October 3, 2014
  16. Is Sam Harris Sexist? by Libby Anne at the blog Love, Joy, Feminism, September 20, 2014
  17. Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments by Heather Tomlinson, Christianity Today, September 17, 2014
  18. Atheist writer Sam Harris faces backlash over 'estrogen vibe' comments by Heather Tomlinson, Christianity Today, September 17, 2014
  19. Atheism’s shocking woman problem: What’s behind the misogyny of Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris? by Amanda Marcotte, Salon magazine, October 3, 2014
  20. Is Sam Harris Sexist? by Libby Anne at the blog Love, Joy, Feminism, September 20, 2014
  21. On Sam Harris’s Reply to Feminist Critics by Daniel Fincke, September 16, 2014
  22. “I’m Not the Sexist Pig You’re Looking For” by Sam Harris, September 15, 2014
  23. New Atheism should be able to criticise Islam without being accused of Islamophobia by Andrew Zak Williams, New Statesman, Published 19 April, 2013
  24. UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92
  25. UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92
  26. UnHitched: The Trial of Christopher Hitchens By Richard Seymour, Publisher: Verso; 1 edition (January 16, 2013), page 92
  27. Response to Critics by Sam Harris, June 21, 2014
  28. Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm
  29. Why Sam Harris is Unlikely to Change his Mind by JONATHAN HAIDT, February 3, 2014 8:36 pm
  30. The Closed Mind of Richard Dawkins, New Republic by John Gray
  31. The God wars by Bryan Appleyard, New Statesman
  32. How cultish is the New Atheism?
  33. American Faith: A Work In Progress by Stephen Prothero, USA Today, March 10, 2008, page 11A
  34. http://www.alternet.org/mediaculture/47052/?page=3
  35. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/story/0,,2074076,00.html
  36. Richard Dawkins accused of cowardice for refusing to debate existence of God, The Daily Telegraph, May 14, 2011
  37. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFamS4RGE_A Richard Dawkins says he won't debate William Lane Craig
  38. Christopher Hitchens vs William Lane Craig - Does God Exist - 2009.
  39. The Craig-Hitchens Debate by Luke Muehlhauser on April 4, 2009 in Debates,Reviews,William Lane Craig
  40. [What is the third wave of Christian backlash coming against the new militant atheists. Will it come at the worst possible time?]
  41. http://www.colorado.edu/philosophy/vstenger/battle.html
  42. Fattest Countries in the World
  43. The History Of Obesity Timeline
  44. A brief history of exercise