Atheism Quote by Chapman Cohen
“We cannot start with God and deduce the universe from his existence; we must start with the world as we know it, and deduce God from the world.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Logic of Faith, 1975
One should infer the existence of God from observable reality, not assume God first and then explain the world.
In simple terms: Start with evidence, then consider God.
Key Takeaway
Base belief in God on empirical observation.
Themes
philosophy
theology
epistemology
Mood
skeptical
contemplative
Type
philosophical
theological
When to use this quote
- scientific research
- philosophical debate
- personal belief formation
Key Concepts
a priori reasoning
empirical inference
faith vs reason
Questions to Reflect On
- What evidence would convincingly suggest a deity?
- Can faith exist without empirical support?
A Different Perspective
Assumes observable world can reveal divine nature, which may be contested.
![“[Hypatia Bradlaugh Bonner belonged to] that small army of brave people who made it their duty, without thought of themselves or hope or expectation of reward, to strive for unpopular causes. [Chapman Cohen on the death of noted freethinker and peace advocate Hypatia Bradlaugh Bonner]” quote by Chapman Cohen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/43f/chapman-cohen-19666_altruism_hypatia-bradlaugh-bonner-belonged-to-tha_664654.jpg)
