Epistemological and Ethical Foundations of “New Atheism”.

Abstract

The article Epistemological and ethical foundations of 'new atheism' starts from the thesis that the present rise of atheism, agnosticism, and anti-religious sentiments in Poland cannot be explained exclusively by the processes that occur within our country. It is also fed by the so called 'new atheism' - a movement of international character that was formed in the first decade of the 21st century by R. Dawkins, Ch. Hitchens, D. Dennett, and S. Harris. Presentation of theoretical foundations of 'new atheism' is preceded by listing its main theses, its genesis, and its aims. Then two epistemological claims of 'new atheists' are analyzed: evidentialism and scientism as well as their claim that religions justify morally unacceptable behavior and that sciences alone can justify morally acceptable deeds. Despite its strongly anti-religious character 'new atheism' stimulates new apologetics which can strengthen religion. If, however, this apologetics is to be effective, theological knowledge should be enriched by good philosophical training, especially in contemporary epistemology, philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, and logic.