Russell-Copleston Debate Linked and Mapped

I've found this link to a public domain audio file of the famous debate between atheist philosopher Bertrand Russell and Catholic priest F.C. Copleston (who, as far as I know, is unique in the history of philosophy for having a name that sounds almost exactly like a non-league football team).

Like other links I've found, the portion of the debate we hear covers a discussion on the cosmological argument, focusing on contingency and necessity. From Copleston's comment at the end of the clip, it seems that they then went on to talk about religious experience. I'd be interested to know if a link of the full debate exists anywhere?

Below, I've also shared a mind map I drew of the some of the key points in the debate.

Asking students who they think "won" the radio debate is always an interesting exercise. I'd say that overall, my students have tended to think that Copleston shades it. Any views or comments on this point are welcome!

Philosophy Quotes You Should Know #1

Philosopher and atheist Bertrand Russell, after being asked what he would say if he died and was brought face to face with God in the afterlife:

"I shall say 'God, why did you make the evidence for your existence so unconvincing' "

Anselm's Ontological Argument Made Simple

It's that teaching the ontological argument time of year again. This is a little chart I use to try to make the logic and flow of the argument a bit easier to follow:

HT: C. Ransom

Melyn Bragg vs. The Ontological Argument

Exciting news! This Thursday’s episode of In Our Time, Radio 4’s show on the history of ideas, will be covering the ontological argument. If, like me, you have a soft spot for Anselm’s attempt to prove God’s existence through a priori reasoning and for hearing clever people talking about stuff, then no doubt you’ll be drooling with anticipation already.

The link for the episode is here. It’s broadcast at 9.00 am and repeated at 9.30 pm, but every episode is archived, so you can listen (and re-listen) at your leisure.