Q&A: Why Are Atheists So Averse to Philosophy?
Why Are Atheists So Averse to Philosophy?
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I spent a little time looking at atheist forums for teenagers.
And I have no explanation for why they’re so put off by any philosophical discussion.
After all, in the end science too is built on philosophical principles.
For example, the moment you start talking with them a bit about philosophy, they immediately ask:
Does it make sense that you have lots of animals on your hand?
Does it make sense that time is relative?
It’s proven that all logic is nonsense.
And so on and so on….
Maybe the Rabbi can shed some light on this point for me.
Answer
It’s not only among teenagers. Most of the public is put off by philosophy, and especially people in science. The common feeling is that science is solid, whereas philosophy is shaky “word-grinding.” People are not aware that science too is built on philosophical assumptions, and that it too requires philosophical justification. It may be that teenagers tend to get excited about science, and perhaps when they grow up there’s a chance they’ll get over it. By the way, there are quite a few philosophers who really do give philosophy a bad name and create that impression.