In this episode, Brian and I interview Travis Dickinson about the argument from reason. We discuss the different options for explaining the existence of logical principles, focusing on naturalism and Platonism. Travis argues that if God does not exist, logical principles either do not exist or exist as brute abstract objects. He explains that naturalism, which denies the existence of anything outside the natural world, cannot account for the existence of logical principles. Platonism, on the other hand, posits the existence of abstract objects in a separate realm, but this explanation is ad hoc and lacks independent reasons. Travis concludes that the most plausible explanation for logical principles is the existence of God. In this part of the conversation, Brian and Travis discuss the argument from reason and its connection to the existence of God. We also explore the idea that our ability to reason and use logic points to the existence of a higher mind, which they identify as God. Finally, we discuss how the argument from reason can be used in practical apologetics to engage with skeptics and point them towards Christ.
Takeaways
The argument from reason posits that if God does not exist, logical principles either do not exist or exist as brute abstract objects.
Naturalism, which denies the existence of anything outside the natural world, cannot account for the existence of logical principles.
Platonism, which posits the existence of abstract objects in a separate realm, is an ad hoc explanation without independent reasons.
The most plausible explanation for logical principles is the existence of God. Our ability to reason and use logic suggests the existence of a higher mind, which can be identified as God.
The argument from reason can be used in practical apologetics to engage with skeptics and challenge their worldview.
The moral argument may be more effective in hitting people in the gut, but the argument from reason provides a strong intellectual foundation for belief in God.
Studying logic and critical thinking can be seen as a way of studying God and living in a way that reflects the mind of Christ.
The argument from reason points to the idea that God is the greatest conceivable being, worthy of worship and the normative standard for reasoning.
To learn more about Travis and his great work, go here.
To hear more podcasts from Apologetics315, go here.
Courage and Godspeed,
Chad
Related Posts
Wandering Toward God- Why is There So Much Pain and Suffering?
The Argument from Reason by Paul Gould
C.S. Lewis on Reasoning to Atheism
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