How Inspiring Philosophy Misrepresents Science James Fodor 2026-09-21 | How Inspiring Philosophy Misrepresents Science
What makes a good prophecy?: Responding to more Christian Apologetics nonense James Fodor 2024-10-06 | Here I review a recent video by Capturing Christianity in which he argues that certain prophecies made by Joseph Smith and Mohammed are proof they are not genuine prophets. I argue that Cameron misrepresentations the views of Mormons and Muslims, and also repeatedly applies standards which would by equally problematic for mainstream Christianity if applied consistently.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=lsD8BXG0Vr4
Cosmic Fine-Tuning Discussion with Robin Collins James Fodor 2024-09-15 | Here I discuss fine-tuning with Dr Robin Collins. We consider various aspects including the possibility of exotic forms of life, how to think about the 'epistemically-accessible region' of possible constants, and how to deal with the problem of 'old evidence'. We spend a lot of time on the issue of the topological structure of parameter space, discussing my claim that apparent local fine-tuning is consistent with the absence of global fine-tuning. We conclude with a brief discussion of God's reasons for creation and other theological matters.
The Fine-Tuning Argument Discussion: James vs Otangelo James Fodor 2024-09-08 | Otangelo joins me to discuss the fine-tuning argument. We discuss how fine-tuning is defined, the relationship between constants and laws, the role of hypothetical alternatives and inferences, and when it is appropriate to infer design.Otangelo's website: reasonandscience.catsboard.comOtangelo's book: amazon.com/dp/B0D6KV6WGF
Cameron asked about miracle claims. I answered. James Fodor 2024-09-01 | I respond to some questions from @CapturingChristianityabout evidence, God, and miracle claims.
Is Cosmic Fine-Tuning a good argument for Theism? James Fodor 2024-07-19 | I discuss the fine-tuning argument with Matthew from @deliberationunderidealcond5105. We consider the possibility of different laws of nature and how we should assess the simplicity and predictibility of different possible laws. We also discuss Conway's Game of Life and its relevance for assessing how 'fine-tuned' laws need to be go generate complexity. We conclude by discussing how effective Theism is in explaining fine-tuning, considering issues like how to infer agency and the extent to which we can appeal to background beliefs to predict divine actions.
An Atheist Battles the Demonic Hordes from Capturing Christianity James Fodor 2024-06-30 | Reviewing more demon nonsense from Capturing Christianity.We discuss why God allows demonic posession, techniques used to diagnose demonic possession, how demons possess people, and the quality of the evidence for demonic activity.
The Case Against Theism - Refuting the Fine-Tuning Argument James Fodor 2024-06-02 | The fine-tuning argument is one of the most popular arguments for theism, based on the observation that the constants of nature appear 'fine-tuned' to within a narrow range that enables life to exist. In this video I argue that the fine-tuning argument fails for three reasons. First, the argument unjustifiably focuses exclusively on constants while ignoring the equations that give relevance to those constants. Second, we do not know what possible conditions life could exist in if the constants of nature were different. Third, apologists have failed to provide clear and convincing reasons why god would be likely to fine-tune a universe for embodied life. I show how apologetic responses are undermined by lack of imagination and double-standards, rendering the fine-tuning argument an unconvincing argument for theism.
Are Universities too Woke? Bad Apologetics James Fodor 2024-05-04 | Stream of the recent Bad Apologetics stream I did with Nathan. We dicussed the issue of 'wokeness', focusing on universities. We analysed current usage of the term 'woke', and taking about some of the political and ideological ramifications of the term, including its ideological connection to ideas from critical theory and recent co-option by conservative pundits.
Philosophy, Critical Thinking, and Misinformation Talk James Fodor 2024-04-20 | I discuss how we can use tools and ideas from philosophy to combat misinformation and help promote critical thinking. In particular I focus on how and when appeals to authority are appropriate and how we can better justify appeals to scientific expertise. I also discuss ways to engage with people with differing worldviews, with a focus on using holistic worldview comparisons and helping the interlocutor to integrate new information into their worldview without feeling threatened.This talk was originally delivered via zoom to the Atheist Society of Victoria in March 2024.
Is Psychophysical Harmony a good argument for Theism? James Fodor 2024-03-25 | I discuss the argument from psychophysical harmony with Matthew from @deliberationunderidealcond5105. We discuss the meaning of 'psychophysical harmony', whether it can be accounted for under naturalism, and how effectively it can be explained under theism. You can read Matthews blog post on the subject here: benthams.substack.com/p/for-theism-part-1.
More Terrifying Demonic Nonsense that Destroys My Sanity James Fodor 2024-03-03 | Another day, another review of a Capturing Christianity demons video. Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=gBJaZ4I55NY
Progressive Christianity, Conservative Christianity, and the Christian Right James Fodor 2023-12-15 | My friend Matthew, a minister-in-training, and I discuss the intellectual and political history surrounding progressive and conservative approaches to Christian thought and belief, including their theological differences and the implications this has on modern politics.
More Near-Death Delusions and Christian Nonsense James Fodor 2023-11-26 | I review another Capturing Christianity video on near death experiences and the 'evidence' for an afterlife. Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=_z7XyqaKSPc&
Car Stream on the mind and dualism James Fodor 2023-09-26 | On a long drive I review a recent interview of J.P Moreland by Sean McDowell, in which they discuss arguments in favour of substance dualism and against materialism about the mind. I give responses relating to theories of brain/mind identity theory, the intuitive obviousness of dualism, the continuity of the self, and the reality of free willl.Link to video:youtube.com/watch?v=Lb7Dg0mJOww&
Lets review some more Capturing Christianity Cringe James Fodor 2023-08-06 | I review a recent video by Capturing Christianity respond to @rationalityrules about Christianity and the problem of evil. We also take a detour discussing epistemology and the status of philosophy more generally.Link to original video:youtu.be/8EmFg4vd95k
Chatting with Nathan about Philosophy and AI James Fodor 2023-06-11 | Nathan and I talk about Artificial Intelligence, the recent progress in Large Language Models, cognitive science, philosophy of mind, and whether there is any point in philosophy at all.
Reviewing Capturing Christianity on AI and Consciousness James Fodor 2023-05-27 | I review a discussion between Cameron and Eric about consciousness, AI, and the soul. We discuss arguments about invertible qualia, continuity of self over time, the Chinese room argument, the binding problem, how consciousness could emerge from non-conscious elements, and the interaction problem.Link to original video:youtu.be/t82R594lqQQ
Capturing Christianitys Dangerous Demonic Delusions (it never stops...) James Fodor 2023-03-26 | I review yet another video in which Cameron continues peddling his embaressing nonsense about demonic posession.
Why Theism cant Explain Anything - Reviewing another Capturing Christianity Video James Fodor 2023-02-15 | Here I review this video: youtu.be/k6BEA1yiut8 I discuss the explanatory merits of theism vs naturalism.
Reviewing POWERFUL New Evidence for a Zombie Jesus James Fodor 2023-01-17 | Here I review a video from Sean McDowell, discussing 7 'new' pieces of evidence for the resurreciotn of Jesus. I show how all these evidences really come down to appealing to the Bible, arguments from personal incredulity, and wishful thinking. In the process I discuss biblical interpretation, how to assess ancient texts, psychological and sociological effects leading to belief formation, formation of new religious movements, and how to assess the resurrection as an explanation.Link to original video? youtu.be/-G9R4ZJXVp4
Unreasonable Faith Audiobook - Chapter Two: the Kalam Cosmological Argument Part 3 James Fodor 2023-01-06 | A reading of the third section of chapter 2 of my book 'Unreasonable Faith', with additional analysis and commentary. This section covers Craig's arguments that the universe must have had a cause, and that the cause must have been personal. In it I discuss the possibility of an uncaused universe, the nature of agent causation, potential candidates for a cause of the universe, and the plausibility of substance dualism.Link to my book on Amazon:amazon.com/Unreasonable-Faith-William-Overstates-Christianity/dp/1912701189
Counter-Apologetics, the Incarnation, and Atonement. James Fodor 2022-12-29 | Here I advocate for a greater focus by atheists and agnostics on internal problems and tensions within Christian theology. I argue that it is important to emphasise the explanatory inadequecies within the Christian view, and highlight two examples for initial discussion: the Incarnation and the Atonement. I argue that existing theories to explain these doctrines are inadequate, and as such both of these teachings pose significant problems for the plausibility of Christianity.
Defending Objective Morality From Subjectivist Snowflakes James Fodor 2022-12-27 | A discussion of further aspects of metaethics, with a focus on normativity and competing theories of reasons.
Lets Ground Morality Without God On The Way Home James Fodor 2022-12-04 | Here I discuss some aspects of metaethics, normativity, and grounding of morality, comparing naturalistic and theistic approaches.
A Cavalcade of Crazy Christian Claptrap James Fodor 2022-11-16 | In this video I discuss some recent community posts from @CapturingChristianity, and then review a video by @InspiringPhilosophy about the meagre moral fruits argument.Link to original video: youtu.be/EzkqeQt2e4U
Unreasonable Faith Audiobook - Chapter Two: the Kalam Cosmological Argument Part 2 James Fodor 2022-09-21 | A reading of the second section of chapter 2 of my book 'Unreasonable Faith', with additional analysis and commentary. This section covers Craig's argument that the universe must have a beginning a finite time in the past. I discuss the argument against the possibility of an actual infinite, the argument against the possibility of forming an infinite through successive addition, and the alleged empirical evidence for the beginning of the universe. Link to my book on Amazon: amazon.com/Unreasonable-Faith-William-Overstates-Christianity/dp/1912701189
Unreasonable Faith Audiobook - Chapter Two: the Kalam Cosmological Argument Part 1 James Fodor 2022-09-18 | A reading of the first section of chapter 2 of my book 'Unreasonable Faith', with additional analysis and commentary. This section covers the discussion of the philosophy of time, and Craig's defence of the tensed theory of time.Link to my book on Amazon:amazon.com/Unreasonable-Faith-William-Overstates-Christianity/dp/1912701189
Somehow, the Minimal Facts Argument Got Worse James Fodor 2022-09-13 | Here I review a recent video in which Gary Habermas and Mike Licona provide commentary and answer questions about the minimal facts argument for the resurrection of Jesus. I argue that their approach is flawed, and they fail to provide any substantial reasons for thinking the resurrection is the best explanation for their alleged set of minimal facts.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=KVCiiuvnQlM&
Lets Review CosmicSkeptic vs. Counsel of Trent Because Why Not James Fodor 2022-09-07 | A review of a discussion between Cosmic Skeptic and Counsel of Trent, covering topics like the problem of evil and morality.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=dFYrfKHSV2k&ab_channel=CapturingChristianity
YET MORE Apologetics Nonsense about Fine-Tuning James Fodor 2022-07-29 | 0:00:00 Leslie Wickman1:08:45 Philip GoffI review two Capturing Christianity videos talking about fine-tuning. I discuss evaluating hypotheses, whether the multiverse explanation commits the inverse gambler's fallacy, and the abuse of science for ideological purposes.Dr. Leslie Wickman interview:youtube.com/watch?v=DzPATGVsykwDr. Philip Goff interview:youtube.com/watch?v=IZZp_Q3If7o
Lets Review some Capturing Christianity: The Resurrection and Apologetics Culture James Fodor 2022-06-26 | Here I review some recent videos and posts from Cameron's channel, looking at how he 'exposes the intellectual side of Christian belief'. I then review a recent interview with Lydia McGrew, discussing the weaknesses of a minimal facts approach for the resurrection. Turns our here Lydia and I have a lot of common ground...Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=RFZvZha2OvU
Discussing the Digital Physics Argument with Johanan Raatz James Fodor 2022-06-18 | Here I chat with Johanan Raatz about his digital physics argument for God. We talked about emergent spacetime, quantum cognition, theories of consciousness, qualia and the binding problem, and whether materialism or some kind of fundamental mentality are better theories of reality.Johanan's channel:youtube.com/user/JohananRaatzEmergent spacetime:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Induced_gravityQuantum cognition:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_cognitionIIT theory of consciousness:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Integrated_information_theoryXenon nuclear spin paper:pubs.asahq.org/anesthesiology/article/129/2/271/17992/Nuclear-Spin-Attenuates-the-Anesthetic-Potency-ofThe binding problem:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binding_problem
Design Arguments, Morality, and Maths Advice James Fodor 2022-06-11 | A casual chat where I share some thoughts on design arguments, how to discuss meta-ethics and morality, and answer a question about studying mathematics.
God, Minds, and Explanation James Fodor 2022-05-07 | Here I share some recent thoughts about the nature of minds in the context of the idea of God as a disembodied mind. I argue that we cannot use our folk theory or scientific theory of minds to describe God's mind, and hence we cannot rely on analogies which appeal to human purposive action to justify arguments involving God's purposive action. I also relate this to the issue of explanatory power, and argue that divine explantions simply restate the data to be explained, without adding providing any understanding.
Is Fine-Tuning Actually a Good Argument for God? James Fodor 2022-04-24 | In this video I respond to criticism of my argument against fine-tuning from Adherent Apologetics and Apologetics Squared. Original video: youtube.com/watch?v=7-79HLCjfLE
Discussion with PF Jung on Jordan Peterson and Postmodern-Neomarxism James Fodor 2022-04-21 | I chat with PF Jung about some of my objections to Jordan Peterson, particularly his views on religion and atheism, as well as his use of the term 'Postmodern-Neomarxism'. We also touch on some general issues of political ideology and the 'culture war' in the US.Link to his channel:youtube.com/c/PFJungOriginally recorded 3rd April 2022
The State of Apologetics James Fodor 2022-04-17 | An experimental stream where I chat about philosophy and apologetics as I drive.Topics covered include the moral argument, free will, the purpose of apologetics arguments, and comparative explanatory power.00:00 Setting up and being dumb02:40 Start of chat07:50 Audio improves
The Resurrection is Still a Bad Explanation James Fodor 2022-04-14 | Here I respond to Trent Horn's argument for the resurrection as presented in his debate with Pinecreek. Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=fLXgbvyUHo8
More Bad Theist Arguments about Consciousness - Buckle up! James Fodor 2022-03-16 | Here I review a recent interview between Cameron (Capturing Christianity) and Josh Rasmussen about consciousness and materialism. Josh presents some of his ideas about why the fundamental nature of consciousness and the mind provides a major problem for materialism, and points to the existence of mind as fundamental. I critique their arguments and provide critical commentary on these issues. Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=6hZh0JEz8hU&
Discussion with Matthew on Meta-ethics and God James Fodor 2022-03-13 | Here I discuss meta-ethics with Matthew from Deliberation Under Ideal Conditions. We mostly focus on naturalist versus non-naturalist theories of morality, and the relationship between rationality and morality. We also briefly discuss Effective Altruism and issues about peer disagreement and theism.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=OeO-6AlhrnE
Heres what Craig will say about the Kalam Documentary... James Fodor 2022-02-16 | Here I provide a reaction to and review of the Kalam documentary recently posted by skydivephil. As well as offering my own thoughts, I will also try to predict what Craig's responses will be. Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=pGKe6YzHiME
Lets review some more Capturing Christianity...(it was bad) James Fodor 2022-01-23 | I review several of Cameron's more recent videos, including some short memes, an argument from biology (the origin of life), and Cameron discussion the 'surprising link' between doubt and anxiety.
3 Sincere Answers for Cameron - Evidence for Atheism James Fodor 2021-12-02 | Responding to Cameron's questions for atheists. In particular, I discuss some of the reasons why I believe that there is no God, including the lack of explanatory power of theism, the problem of suffering, the problem of divine hiddenness, and meagre moral fruits of belief, and how God is poorly defined.Link to original video: youtube.com/watch?v=89tcsb2aPLI
The Urgent Case for Jesus - A Discussion with the Greg Sheridan James Fodor 2021-11-25 | Here I interview journalist Greg Sheridan and discuss his most recent book "Christians: The Urgent Case for Jesus in Our World", in which he argues for the truth and ongoing cultural importance of Christian teachings and practises.
Coherentism vs Foundationalism Epistemology Debate James Fodor vs David Pallman James Fodor 2021-11-22 | David Pallman and I discuss our respective views on epistemology. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy which examines the basis for knowledge and methods of acquiring knowledge. In this conversation, David defends a version of internalist foundationalism, while James defends a version of weak coherentism.Originally recorded August 2021.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=AzK-8-zWvlU
God Explains Nothing about Consciousness James Fodor 2021-11-15 | I respond to Braxton's recent sermon about consciousness and the mind.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=-fjeIwgFVvU
Classical Theism vs Naturalism - Canadian Catholic vs James Fodor James Fodor 2021-11-14 | In this video I discuss various aspects of Theism and Naturalism with Canadian Catholic. Our discussion focuses mainly on the cosmological argument and philosophy of causation.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=kVPcH2pN4ZI&
Was Jesus Resurrected? Robert Martin vs James Fodor Debate James Fodor 2021-11-08 | A debate between James Fodor and Robert Martin (Melbourne City Bible Forum) concerning the facts surrounding Jesus' death, crucifixion, and reported appearances.Originally recorded in Melbourne, March 2016.Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=67BGpzQ1hWg
Resurrection Debate Afterchat James Fodor 2021-11-07 | A casual chat after the resurrection debate with Caleb Jackson on Cerebral Faith.Link to original debate:youtube.com/watch?v=MUBTLaV3YAo
The Problem of Evil - James Fodor vs Adi Purusha James Fodor 2021-10-31 | Adi Purusha and I discuss the problem of evil; the question of whether the extent and scope of evil and suffering in the world is evidence against the existence of an all-loving, all-powerful God.Originally recorded in Feb 2021Link to original video:youtube.com/watch?v=OgWbavi-388
