Published Oct 15, 2018

John Gray on the Seven Kinds of Atheism

Philosopher John Gray delves into the complexities of atheism, questioning the potential for human transformation and the fluidity of morality, while challenging the modern belief in continuous progress and critiquing New Atheism for its simplistic understanding of religion and history.

Episode Highlights

Topics covered

Episode Highlights

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John Gray on the Seven Kinds of Atheism

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Atheism and Admirable Lives

Technological Progress and Civilizational Collapse

Challenging Assumptions

Religion and Meaning

The Persistence of Bad Ideas

Personal Transformation

Critiquing New Atheism

Personal Transformation

The Flaws of Utopian Visions

Personal Transformation

The Myth of Perfection

Future Wars, Material Well Being

Understanding Human Behavior

The Right Kind

Conrad's Atheism

Episode Highlights

Human Behavior and Morality

Role of Religion and Myth

The Illusion of Progress

Critique of New Atheism

Related Episodes

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Alan Lightman on Science, Spirituality, and Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine

Walter Russell Mead on Innovation, Religion, and the State of the World

Larry Iannaccone on the Economics of Religion

Anthony Gill on Religion

Alan Wolfe on Liberalism

Ian Leslie on Curiosity

Agnes Callard on Philosophy, Progress, and Wisdom

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Noah Smith on Whether Economics is a Science

Jonah Lehrer on Creativity and Imagine

Who Needs Miracles? On Nature and the Miraculous (with Alan Lightman)

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Freeman Dyson on Heresy, Climate Change, and Science

Gary Greenberg on Depression, Addiction, and the Brain

John Gray on the Seven Kinds of Atheism

Topics covered

Popular Clips

Episode Highlights

Human Behavior and MoralityJohn Gray examines the potential for personal transformation amidst historical cycles and the fluid nature of morality in atheism. He questions whether true change is possible and how moral perspectives evolve independently of religious beliefs.

Human Behavior and Morality

Role of Religion and MythJohn Gray explores the role of religion and myths in providing meaning and shaping morality. He argues that these narratives are crucial for understanding human behavior and maintaining cultural continuity.

Role of Religion and Myth

The Illusion of Progress

Critique of New AtheismPhilosopher John Gray critiques the New Atheism movement, arguing that it misunderstands religion and lacks historical awareness. He explores how atheism often inherits religious-like structures and questions the notion of progress.

Critique of New Atheism

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