Atheism: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
£4.50
morality are possible in a finite, natural world.
This second edition includes a new chapter covering the impact and legacy of ‘New Atheism’, a powerful new movement in atheism in the early twenty first century, driven by books from authors such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, and which is having a profound impact across the Western world. Baggini also considers whether East Asia has been historically atheist, and atheism in recent European history, before exploring the position of atheists around the world today. Throughout, the book
presents an intellectual case for atheism that rests as much upon positive arguments for its truth as on negative arguments against religion.
Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring
ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.
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Additional information
| Publisher | 2nd edition (26 Aug. 2021), OUP Oxford |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| File size | 1926 KB |
| Text-to-Speech | Enabled |
| Screen Reader | Supported |
| Enhanced typesetting | Enabled |
| X-Ray | Not Enabled |
| Word Wise | Enabled |
| Sticky notes | On Kindle Scribe |
| Print length | 144 pages |
by Anna Lowenstein
I read this book a long time ago, and found it a very readable short introduction to the basic concepts of atheism. Unfortunately the function “Look inside this book” consists entirely of a list of other books in the series, so it gives no idea of the content. Here are the chapter titles:
1. What is atheism?
2. The case for atheism
3. Atheist ethics
4. Meaning and purpose
5. Atheism in history
6. Against religion?
7. Conclusion
Please note that I have the old edition, but I see from the publisher’s description that another chapter has been added concerning the New Atheism movement led by people like Richard Dawkins.
It’s a long time since I read it, but I remember being particularly impressed by the chapter about atheist ethics – i.e. where do your ideas of morality come from if you don’t believe in God.
by MikeBT
Not bought from Amazon, but I borrowed this book from the local library. As an amateur philosopher and atheist of 40 years, now Christian, I’m surprised how easy it was to spot the fallacies and straw-man arguments deployed by Mr Baggini. The breadth of his knowledge of classic philosophers and his use of their theses is impressive but alas not persuasive.