more on this theme | more from this thinker | more from this text
Full Idea
If the assertion that there is a god is non-sensical, then the atheist's assertion that there is no god is equally non-sensical.
Gist of Idea
If theism is non-sensical, then so is atheism.
Source
A.J. Ayer (Language,Truth and Logic [1936], Ch.6)
Book Ref
Ayer,A.J.: 'Language, Truth and Logic' [Penguin 1974], p.153
A Reaction
Ayer urgently needs the concept of 'best explanation'. If we observe only footprints, we infer creatures; if there are no footprints, lack of creatures looks like a good theory. The design argument is perfectly meaningful.