Full of Sound and Fury: The Media Response to Dennett

Author: Koch, Gretchen¹

Source: Method & Theory in the Study of Religion, Volume 20, Number 1, 2008 , pp. 36-44(9)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

What has motivated the general hostility towards Dennett's most recent book? Which criticisms should we accept as valid? This paper examines some of the most vociferous attacks on Breaking the Spell which appeared in newspapers and online blogs soon after it was published. More specifically, it considers the question of whether a defense of atheism ought to be coupled with advocacy for the naturalistic (i.e., scientific) study of religion. Further, it addresses the meaning of the oft-made claim that evolution "equals" atheism, and whether the notion constitutes a political red herring.

Keywords: DANIEL DENNETT; EVOLUTION; MEDIA; BRIGHTS; ATHEISM; INTELLIGENT DESIGN

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1163/157006808X260412

Affiliations: 1: Department of the Study of Religion, University of Aarhus, Taasingegade 3, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark

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