Atheist College Essays Samples For Students

Introduction

This paper focuses on a specific group of atheists and describes a summary of the specific event, an institution that demeans and retreats them and laws that are in their favor as well against. This paper further includes social standing-demographic variables that states what percent of atheist are found where in the world. Finally, the paper applies symbolic interactionism on the group of atheists.

Summary of specific incident

The incident dates back to 2011 when at Bastrop High School a graduation ceremony was planned. It was announced that a prayer would be given in that ceremony. Damon Fowler, a high school student, who is an atheist stood against ...

For centuries, calling someone an atheist has been intended as an insult. Only a few centuries ago, admitting to being an atheist was to open oneself to severe consequences. For example, one of the greatest British poets, Percy Bysshe Shelley, was expelled from Oxford University after he and a fellow student published the pamphlet The Necessity of Atheism in 1811 (Jager). In 2013, a student stating publicly that he or she is an atheist is unlikely to be expelled from a university, unless the university is a private religious institution. Yet there are still some serious consequences to a public declaration of atheism. One only ...

How did Thomas Hobbes Understand The Connection Between Religion And Politics?

Introduction
Thomas Hobbes was born in 1588 in England; he was an English Philosopher of the 17th century who was best known for the work done in the fields of political and moral philosophies. He wrote a book named as Leviathan (1651) in which he shared his political views. The early life of Thomes Hobbes was spent free of anxiety as he attained education from the finest institutions where he interacted with the most intellectual people and prominent personalities who were expert in their fields. His work struggled a lot to gain society acceptance. His books are the depiction ...

There are numerous and outstanding philosophers who have contributed to the field of philosophy and in particular on issues relating to religion. Sigmund Freud is a man who has been variously described by other scholars. Peter Gay in the biographical introduction of ‘The Future of an Illusion’ describes Freud as an atheist, who is fully convinced about the idea, and demonstrates a high degree of consistency and aggressiveness in atheism. In his book The Future of an Illusion wrote in 1927, Sigmund Freud describes various aspects relating to religion, its origin, development and the future. In essence, Freud observes religion as ...

Humanity and Morality

Friedrich Nietzsche
The madman Where is God? he cried. I’ll tell you! You have killed him – you and I! We are all his murderers. But how did we do this? How were we able to drink up the sea? Who gave us the sponge to wipe away the entire horizon? What were we doing when we unchained this earth from its sun? Where is it moving to now? Where are we moving to? Away from all suns? Are we continually falling? And backwards Nietszche The Gay Science 125
The first important observation concerning Nietzsche’s text is that ...

Both Satre and Camus, important and famous French philosophers of the middle of the 20th century explored various facets of what may be called existentialist philosophy. Sartre grounded his work by focusing on the concept, and practice, of human freedom, While Camus approached existentialism from a tension between absurdity and the meaning of making choices and commitment. While both philosophers worked in very different areas of the wide branch of philosophy known as existentialism, both Camus and Sartre build their systems on the foundation of a life, or universe, without any divine force, and certainly without the idea of ...

Flannery O’Connor is known for her knack of incorporating Southern values and religious beliefs in all of her stories and novels. Often, the main character goes through a horrific event that extracts views and interpretations of religion from the characters as well as the audience. “Good Country People” is a story about a woman and her daughter, and their reluctance to escape their small world on their country farm. Mrs. Hopewell, who lives with her daughter Hulga, welcomes a bible salesman named Manley Pointer into their house one day under the impression that he is wholesome and innocent. ...

It is very hard to determine the religious views of the philosopher if he has quite definite atheistic inclinations. Didrot believed that from the time he renounces his reasons and start blindly believing into the higher forces that act without no clear logic and explanation he will lose himself and his way of life. With these words he hints that actually he has nothing against the God and would lovely accept him if there are significant reasons to do it. The gift of eternal life in Paradise is not a worthy gift as its existence cannot be proofed.
The ...

In his article “On Being an Atheist,” H.J. McCloskey has argued in many instances that absolute certainty of God’s existence cannot be proved using the “proofs” embedded in classical arguments. According to McCloskey, the classical proofs for God’s existence do not portray Him as the all-knowing, all-powerful, or all-perfect being that Christians perceive Him to be. The existence of evil in a world created by a God with the qualities of being all-knowing, powerful, and perfect leads McCloskey to conclude that atheism would be more comforting than to believe in such a God. McCloskey’s disapproval of ...

One of the most important characters of Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita is Ivan Nikolaevich Ponyrev, also known as “John the Homeless.” He appears from the very beginning to the end of the novel as a major character, but his character and journey are fascinating enough to make a huge impression on many of the bigger themes of the novel. A poet and atheist in the beginning of the book, Ivan transforms by the end of the novel into a wise, God-fearing man who has given up poetry, but is pretty much at peace and still has his own dreams ...

Dear Mr._________,

This letter is to request for a final grade revision/ appeal for an assignment that I completed for the course The God of Philosophers (LEH355) taught by Professor Carl Brownson during the Fall 2013 semester.
(Facts)

Midterm given on 10/2/2013 grade: 86/100

Second exam given on 11/6/2013 grade: 82/100
8-10 page final term paper – (option to exclude final exam in exchange for a 16-20 page final term paper).
The first half of the semester was great and I enjoyed Professor Brownson’s enthusiasm for philosophy. At times, my classmates would chat continuously during class making it difficult for others to hear, but I still enjoyed ...

Faith is a serious matter. So serious that it has been studied, researched and investigated along the History of mankind by religious and science experts. Sociology is a branch of science that studies not only the origin, development and structure of human societies, in general, but also the behavior of individuals and groups. It is, therefore, quite natural that Sociology pays close attention to religion as a rich field of investigation, as it is connected to what is the most precious in human terms: your mind, or if your prefer, your soul. Religion commands people’s feelings, beliefs, conduct ...

It was personal resentment towards Socrates that brought him apologizing to the Athenian judicial system, than anything else. Socrates was charged for being a sophist for his way to present the weaker arguments as the strongest, and physicalist because he investigated things that lie in the skies and beneath the earth. However, Socrates responds with masterly eloquence. He says that that the most dangerous Athenian citizens are those who manipulate young minds and fill them with falsehoods about “one Socrates, a wise man, who speculated about the heaven above, and searched into the earth beneath, and made the worse appear the ...

An Objection to Augustine’s Response to the Problem of Evil in On the Free Choice of the Will

A contemporary Catholic apologist sums up the problem of evil nicely: “If God is so good, why is his world so bad?” (Kreeft 54). In this paper, Augustine’s response to the problem of evil will be analyzed and found to be lacking as an adequate resolution to the problem. The paper that follows is a reflection based on the readings from From Plato to Derrida, paying special attention to Augustine’s texts on evil. Augustine tries to attack what we mean when we say “evil,” but his argument insufficiently glosses over the larger issue of human suffering, and what ...

One of the most important characters of Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita is Ivan Nikolaevich Ponyrev, also known as “John the Homeless.” He appears from the very beginning to the end of the novel as a major character, but his character and journey are fascinating enough to make a huge impression on many of the bigger themes of the novel. A poet and atheist in the beginning of the book, Ivan transforms by the end of the novel into a wise, God-fearing man who has given up poetry, but is pretty much at peace and still has his own dreams ...

Since time exceeding back memory, people have had different views in as far as the existence of God and the universe are concerned. Theist believe that God exists and He is the creator of the universe while atheists, such as Stephen Hawking, are of the opinion that the existence of God is simply a delusion and that the universe is simply as a result of evolution through forces of nature. Each of these two opposing sides has come up with its own theories and arguments to support its view. These contrasting beliefs have had a significant impact on people’s way of ...

AUSTRALIA AND SOUTH KOREA

Comparison of the Religion’s Significance in Australia and South Korea
Religion is undeniably one of the most important parts of the humanity. It has always been there, first as a form of fear before the unknown and misunderstood forces of nature, and then as a form of moral guidance and help. People have been showing a necessity to believe in something above them for a very long time, and even though the times have changed, this necessity still remains intact in many. However, religions do differ greatly depending on many factors: nationality, geography, climate, historical evolution, political situation ...

Introduction

The 2016 Presidential race for the White House is occurring during a time of increased polarization between the two dominant American political parties. Republican and Democrat political candidates, as well as registered voters, are sharply divided on issues such as tax reform, public services and programs, income inequality, military spending, women’s reproductive rights, and the civil rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. While the common perception is that Republican candidates and voters tend to be more religious than their Democrat counterparts, the majority of polled Americans indicate that an Atheist candidate is a problem. Although ...

Philosophy

James Rachels argues that most of the notions we consider right are sometimes wrong and are sometimes gotten from the norms in society. The author does not differentiate the different social and cultural norms in society but insists there is no correct norm. One community might behave in a different way from other communities. The author makes it clear that all the different norms are correct according to the culture of that specific community.

In “Religion Gives Meaning to Life” Pojman criticizes the atheist prizing of autonomy over meaning, explain this criticism.

In Pojoman,s book religion gives meaning to life, argues that human beings come about by chance. Atheist believe that there is no purpose in ...

Response Paper

Response Paper
The presence and existence of God is seen in our daily lives through the practices and the relevant undertaking that we pass through without knowledge of how successfully they pass. To be aware of God, however, implies that one is certain of the belief in His dominical that surrounds every human being, and in everything that is in the universe. McCloskey in his article, “On Being Atheist” attempts to provide proof that the existence of God is not true; with various claims why atheism is a much easier concept to understand compared to theism (McCloskey, 1968). However, ...

Stage directions: [8 AM in the morning, Dr. Richard is sitting on an easy chair in the front porch of a house and is reading something on his tablet PC. There is a pot of coffee on the table in front of him and a single cup next to it. The name plate on the main door says Dr. Richard Sach, Ph.D. in Philosophy. Emeritus Professor. In walks a gentleman from the gate and starts talking with him and introduces himself as Dr. Shepherd from Chicago University’s empirical science department].
Dr. Shepherd: (shaking hands) Hello Dr. Richard, this ...

Introduction

The World Bewitched (1965) was written by Bekker to outline theological and philosophical viewpoints that challenged the notion that ghosts, devils, and angels had an influence on historical events, as well as nature.The story was written at a time when Christianity was being perfected in England and the rest of Europe. During this time, The World Bewitched (1965) was written, Bekker served as a minister in Amsterdam. Protestants needed a philosophical and theological approach to accentuate the assumption that God was the ruler of the world. The need to project God as the authority while discrediting the influence of ...

[Institution Title]

Introduction

There is a thin line that separates science and religion. While often conflicting in beliefs and principles, it cannot be denied that both have a significant impact on one another. With this being said, the medical profession has, in fact, recognized the important contribution that religion has towards addressing patients especially in a grave and serious conditions. This paper would like to evaluate the relevance of a spiritual needs assessment, particularly among terminally ill patients. For the purpose of this paper, a self-constructed Spiritual Needs Assessment shall be developed which will be utilized to a terminally ill ...

Exam

According to Sartre, what is his idea that “existence precedes essence”, how is it related to the concept of “anguish” and how, in turn, is that concept related to his notion of responsibility?
The literary and philosophical works of Jean-Paul Sartre, from his very first and defining novel “Nausea” (1938), are permeated with the ideas and notions of existentialism. Many a philosopher has tried to reason their own understanding of existentialism over the course of the 20th century and each of these reasoning was fairly unique, however, it was Sartre who provided the modern scholars with a number of ...

Why is it important for a counselor to have an understanding of ethical theory?

Counselors have a sworn duty to help their clientele by listening and being attentive to the person’s problems, it can be argued that a counselor’s sole purpose is to guide someone on how they should deal with everyday problems. It cannot be argued that there are limits to a counselor’s power as far as giving advice, counselors are fully aware of what to do or say and what not to. For example, a counselor can instruct a person on how to effectively deal with their problems, but the counselor cannot give them specific instructions on how ...

Introduction

My personal epistemology or theory of knowledge is dependent on my realistic understanding of the world. I have come to know reality because of my inherent ability to perceive and interpret my environment. Through my senses and rationality, I know what it is like to know what I do know, despite the fact that I have my limitations. Given my knowledge to distinguish my internal and external worlds, I have realized that there is more than just knowledge, which is above itself. I will refer to here are second-order or meta-knowledge.

Commonly Asked Epistemic Questions

Before delving farther into the critical parts of ...

DISCUSSION ONE

McCloskey indicates several times in his article, “On Being an Atheist”, that the arguments provided in a classical dimension in regard to existence of God, referred as “proof” do not provide an assurance or an absolute certain in relation to his existence. He supports his argument with teleological as well as cosmological proofs that have been used to argue that God exists and he is all-powerful, all knowing and all-perfect. According to McCloskey, theists, specifically Christians have use these dimensions of classical proofs to argue that God is all-knowing and all-perfect, however, they have failed to provide evidence ...

It is a common norm for scientists to use “proofs” to describe the reasoning for various things. Scientists make use of these proofs to explain why something happens. For instance, geologists believe that the earth possesses an electromagnetic field that acts as a protector against destructive solar winds. These geologists have never really witnessed or seen this field, yet they strongly believe it to be the most plausible explanation of why the earth is protected from destructive solar winds. This analogy is comparable to the use of ‘proofs” by Christians to make strong arguments about God’s existence. When the proofs are ...

How Important Is Religion in Understanding the U.S.?
Considering the atrocities occurring in the United States of America, one could not help but ask, “Does religion still play an important role in the lives of the citizens of America?” As news about massacres, terrorism attacks, racism, and other political issues abound, one begins to question whether people still look up to religion as a guiding light in their lives or maybe they have slowly drifted away from their once strong faith. America, being a melting pot of various cultures and religious affiliations, is home to different religious beliefs, including Protestantism, Catholicism, ...

Over many centuries, there has been a lot of credence concerning about where do our soul be gone after death or many people referred this as “life after death”. This topic has caused a huge amount of controversy, and has been strongly debated over many years. Clarence Darrow, who has been believed to be an atheist claimed that it is hard to believe that a soul exists after death simply there is no one who has taken a journey to the afterlife and come back to tell us about it. What Clarence forgets is that life after death is completely about taking a journey ...

Critical Commentary On Anselm’s Ontological “Proof” For The Existence Of God

In this commentary, I shall offer a philosophical analysis of Anselm of Canterbury’s work The Proslogion, paying special attention to his “ontological argument” for the existence of God. I will refer to the text as reprinted in the anthology Readings in Christian Thought (Second Edition) edited by Hugh T. Kerr. All quotes are primary source citations from Anselm and refer to the translation prepared by Eugene R. Fairweather, reprinted in Kerr’s edition.
As Kerr points out in his brief introduction to the “Ontological Argument” excerpt from The Proslogion, the original subtitle of the text is “Faith Seeking ...

Oskar Schell is a nine year old character created by Jonathan Safran Foer’s novel “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close.” At times he is somewhat of an unrealistic character because his understanding of things seems to be well beyond that of a nine year old. But at other times, his young age becomes apparent and obviously. The novel centers around mission being undertaken by Oscar, which in a lot of ways is a way for him to distract himself from the death of his father in the 9/11 terrorist attacks of the World Trade Towers in New York City, the setting of the novel. ...

All throughout the history of mankind, nations have been fighting for freedom. However, being free is not only limited to not being imprisoned, enslaved or restricted to move (Oxford Dictionaries). Perhaps, the greatest freedom is that of breaking the boundaries of self and thinking of the greater picture, which David Foster Wallace extensively describes, in In His Own Words.
In fact, if one has ever read The Allegory of the Cave, by ancient Greek philosopher, Plato, will immediately recognize familiar paths in Wallace’s commencement, as it was posted in The Economist magazine on September 19th 2008. Plato ...

Marilyn Manson got his name from juxtaposing the names of two huge cultural icons: Marilyn Monroe and Charles Manson. He was born Brian Warner some years ago and decided to change his name in claimed appraisal to America and its culture. This name change is praising the same culture that he bashed in his piece. This is in itself contradicting. His first name, Marilyn, appeals to the gorgeous 50’s icon who has become a sex symbol for American culture. Manson is known for his controversial fetishes which include sadomasochism. Marilyn Manson may not be the direct cause of the ...

[Institution Name]
The People’s Republic of China (PRC) is the most populated country of the world. The total estimated population of the country is nearly1.3 billion. Due to a diversity of population, there are several languages being spoken in China. There are almost 290 languages among which few have now become extinct. Mandarin Chinese is the main language of the country and is nationally used for business. According to a survey, a separate and specific language is spoken in each province of China. The language laws are not applicable in Hong Kong, Macau and Tibet. The main languages of the ...

Resulting from the debate featured in the videos, I believe atheism can be defined in terms of two major aspects: the way atheism approaches the concept of death and the way it explains the creation of the universe.
According to David Silverman, president of the American Atheists Organization, atheism is the absence of a belief in God, accompanied by an acknowledgement of death as a physical process that all human beings are eventually exposed to. Atheism does not view death as a possible gateway into a further spiritual and eternal life; on the contrary, for an atheist, death is nothing else than a ...

An Event that Changed My Life

As a young child, I was fascinated by the idea of religion: we were read Biblical stories and sang hymns at school, and my parents encouraged me to attend the local Girl Guides organization from a very young age which, again, exposed me to Christian teachings. In truth, I had always been an unusually cynical child and concepts such as Father Christmas and the tooth fairy became quickly apparent as nonsense to me. I suppose it is fair to say that I was an inquisitive child and that is probably why I always did reasonably well at school; I wanted to ...

The Metaphorical Significance of The Plague

Albert Camus’ The Plague was first published in France and was an immediate best-seller. Its success and profundity were probably deciding factors in his winning of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957. Shortly after publication Roland Barthes, the French critic and philosopher, criticized Camus for what he described as “ignoring history (Maze, 53). Camus’ response is interesting for the way we interpret this novel. In an open letter responding to Barthes, Camus wrote that The Plague had “to be read on a number of levels.” (Maze, 54). This essay will explore these different levels and examine the plague in ...

I am writing to you as the last generation that I will see in my lifetime. When the Atlantic slave trade came to an end, many of us thought that this signalled the end of slavery. However, it appears that equally evil acts are still going on. Modern-day slavery encompasses a range of violations of human rights. It contains the “practices of child labour, bonded labour, serfdom, servile marriage, trafficking in persons (especially women and children), and the exploitation of domestic and migrant labour” (Forms). You are young and may not have yet fully decided your views on life, death ...