The Natural History Of Atheism (1878)

The Natural History of Atheism, written by John Stuart Blackie and published in 1878, is a comprehensive exploration of atheism and its historical origins. Blackie, a Scottish scholar and professor of Greek at the University of Edinburgh, examines the philosophical, social, and cultural factors that have contributed to the rise of atheism throughout history. The book is divided into three parts. The first part provides an overview of the history of atheism, from ancient Greece to the modern era. Blackie explores the ideas of ancient philosophers such as Epicurus and Lucretius, as well as the influence of the Enlightenment on the development of atheism. The second part of the book focuses on the social and cultural factors that have contributed to the growth of atheism. Blackie examines the impact of science and technology on religious belief, as well as the role of social and political movements such as socialism and feminism in promoting atheism. The final part of the book offers a critique of atheism, arguing that it is ultimately a flawed and incomplete worldview. Blackie contends that atheism fails to provide a satisfactory explanation for the mysteries of the universe and the human experience, and that it ultimately leads to a nihilistic and amoral outlook on life. Overall, The Natural History of Atheism is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of one of the most enduring philosophical debates in human history. Blackie's nuanced and balanced approach offers readers a deeper understanding of the complex factors that have shaped the development of atheism, while also challenging them to consider the limitations of this worldview.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.