Figs in Winter
Apr 13, 2021

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Elliot, the Stoics did not believe in evil period. People err because of ignorance, evil does not exist. And I agree with them. But in the context of discussions with non-Stoics I use the word “evil” colloquially, so that I don’t have to explain Stoic theory every time.

Evidence: I believe it is fallacious to ask an atheist for evidence of a negative claim. the burden of proof is squarely on the shoulders of those who make the claim. The Stoics presented what essentially amounted to an argument from design in favor of the existence of a cosmic divinity. That argument fails, after Hume and Darwin. And I haven’t heard of a better one put forth yet.

So, no, I don’t think theism is reasonable, any longer. It used to be, pre-Hume/Darwin.

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Figs in Winter
Figs in Winter

Written by Figs in Winter

by Massimo Pigliucci, a scientist, philosopher, and Professor at the City College of New York. Exploring and practicing Stoicism & other philosophies of life.

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