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CarlW's avatar

You may agree with this, but in case not, I'm willing to argue Spinoza (1632-1677) was the greatest atheist ever - the most influential and the one contemporary non-believers owe the most.

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Daniel James Sharp's avatar

I'm not sure I would disagree with that, but it could be a good discussion - giving nominations for greatest atheists ever and making the case for them!

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CarlW's avatar

I started writing a case for Spinoza, but soon realized I couldn't be anywhere near comprehensive. I'll list just this - he was the first to publish a scientific analysis of the Bible (1665) and claim it was written by very fallible humans. Since then few educated people believe otherwise, though almost none of his contemporaries did.

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Daniel James Sharp's avatar

Spinoza is a truly great figure.

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Jamie C. Weir's avatar

"I invite personal attacks because ... I shall not hesitate to employ such attacks against you"

Good god, truly the age of chivalry is gone! That sensibility of principle, that chastity of honour, which felt a stain like a wound, which inspired courage whilst it mitigated ferocity, which ennobled whatever it touched, and under which vice itself lost half its evil, by losing all its grossness. I despair!

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Daniel James Sharp's avatar

Hahaha, I should have known Burke would make an appearance here!

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