evidence of god

Question 1

for: James’ use of pragmatism and empiricism

Answer 1

common core and fruits seen after these experiences are probably the best evidence we have of God

Question 2

against: rationalists

Answer 2

senses and observation can deceive us. accounts collected by James include those using drugs to alter their state of consciousness. difficult to trust these accounts. Starbuck claims conversions normal adolescent phenomena so do not point to god have a psychological explanation

Question 3

against: differences in interpretation (Hume)

Answer 3

depending on faith or culture, could discredit religious experiences. as Hume noted Catholics experience Mary and Hindus experience Krishna. seems unlikely one divine source causing all religious experiences.

Question 4

against: A. Flew

Answer 4

criticises using religious experience to add to the cumulative evidence of god. says if one leaky bucket won’t hold water no reason to think ten can all arguments for god’s existence have faults adding them together doesn’t make one better argument.