Single Idea 5207

[catalogued under 28. God / C. Attitudes to God / 5. Atheism]

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 Reference

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.