sidewinder

I'm currently reading "The Whys of A Philosophical Scrivener" by Martin Gardner. He calls himself a philosophical theist. He believes in God outside of any religious tradition. I was interested in reading his reasons for being a theist. It turns out that he has no evidence to back his beliefs. He simply believes because it makes him feel better about life. He admits there's no evidence for God, and takes a couple shots at organized religion. I like the book overall but am perplexed at his theist beliefs. Has anyone read this book? Comments?

Pennywise the clown

Beep! Beep!

I'm damn close myself and have no "logical" reason other than hope. Either that or I can't break the dogma I was exposed to.

Just added that book to my list of things to read!

Here's one for your trouble:

American Exorcism by Michael W. Cuneo

There's been some good reviews on this one. Chap conducted a sociological study of American exorcisms. Sounds like he concluded no supernatural causes from the reviews.

Just got it from the library, should be good!

Boshko

Ya, that sort of philosophy is called Pragmatism (ie using "what works" as the determinant of what to believe as opposed to Rationalism (think Plato) or Empiricism (science basically)), its hardly a new concept, I read a book expounding it be Henry James' (the novelist) brother (forget his first name) in my Intro Philosophy class...