Eric Reads the Comments | Skeptic Generation | Episode 9 Season 2

The age-old wisdom of YouTube has always been "Don't read the comments." Well, we do. And Eric has some thoughts. Let's dive into the background of why we do what we do! Then, of course, we'll want to hear your thoughts. Call us at 585-526-8774 or tiny.cc/callSG
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TIME STAMPS & CALL NOTES

00:00 - Intro - Eric Reads The Comments
13:51 - Is Sam Harris Dishonest? - David (they/him) - NC
26:08 - Vi Being A Pessimist for 10 Minutes - Nick (he/him) - TN
39:33 - Theist Says Atheists Strawman Religion - Joe (he/him) - KS
49:37 - Is Naturopathy Connected to Creationism? - Theresa (she/her) - DE
54:13 - Is Military Conscription Immoral? - Rae (they/them) - UK
1:02:44 - Can Atheists Marry Religious People? - Wolfos (he/him) - TX
1:12:54 - Theist Asks for Our Best Argument Against God - Luc (he/him) - QC

00:00
Eric has read the comments under our YouTube videos this week, and has some thoughts about a question he received. Why do we engage with callers in the way that we do? What are the unspoken rules of Skeptic Generation? What can listeners take away from these conversations?

13:51
This caller has been reading some of Sam Harris’s work, and is troubled by his apparent dishonesty toward dealing with Christianity and Islam. Is one actually worse than the other? Is it bad to call out leaders in the movement for causing potential harm? So many questions, so little time. Vi shares their take on the situation, and invites Sam Harris to call in.

26:08
Is the world getting better? This caller inspires a heated conversation about the march of progress between the hosts, with Eric taking the optimistic position and Vi being perhaps a tad pessimistic. Can you blame them, after this week? Who do you agree with, do you think that the world is getting consistently better over time?

39:33
Return theist caller Joe asks us for our opinion on atheists that strawman religious people, and how progressive churches factor into that conversation. Vi and Eric point out that the instinct to equate atheism with any other worldview is dangerous, and we should all be holding our sides accountable for using good arguments.

49:37
This pharmacy student in the UK has a theory: the gravitation towards things like essential oils is directly connected to creationism. They both use the appeal to nature fallacy in order to suggest that the world was designed for humans. The hosts are impressed, and point out that in addition to this, the term “natural” is very much up to interpretation.

54:13
A pertinent topic for this week, the hosts are asked about conscription and whether or not it is a matter of morality or bodily autonomy. Vi goes off as they explain why it’s such a timely matter these days, and Eric admits that he might be a bit out of his depth in this one.

1:02:44
Repeat caller Wolfos has heard from both Christians and atheists that he and his wife shouldn’t have gotten married due to their different stances on religion. However, they have been happily married for almost thirty years. How did he manage it? What should he keep in mind when talking to those who would judge his relationship, from either side of the religious aisle?

1:12:54
This theist wants to know if Vi and Eric have an argument against the existence of God. Vi admits that they don’t, and passes the mic to Eric. This call may have the most giggling of any we’ve taken, despite the fraught nature of the topic. Luc has promised to call back to continue to hold our philosophical feet to the fire. Let’s see if he does!

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