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Atheism/Expert Profile

Philip A. Stahl

U.S.

Available

Expertise

I specialize in the areas of scientific materialism and consciousness described as a materialist epiphenomenon. Also can answer questions pertaining to general atheism, atheist-agnostic differences etc.

Experience in the area

I have been an atheist for over 27 yrs. and have written two books on the subject: 'The Atheist's Handbook to Modern Materialism'(2000), and 'Atheism" A Beginner's Handbook' (due out next month).

Organizations

Intertel, American Atheists, American Mathematical Society, American Astronomical Society, American Geophysical Union

Publications

Atheist articles: 'The American Atheist' magazine, assorted U.S. newspapers (e.g. Baltimore Sun); two books (already mentioned in experience section); papers-articles published in Intertel's Journal: Integra.

Education/Credentials

Master of Philosophy in Physics. Also took more than 3 yrs. of theology and metaphysics courses at a Catholic University (1964-67) - before I became an atheist. Thus, I have much more religious familiarity & background than many atheists.

Awards and Honors

Writers' Digest Award for the essay 'The Atheist in America' (2000), Government of Barbados research in solar physics award (1980-84), AAS Solar Physics Award (1984)

What do you like about this subject?

Atheism-materialism is a useful subject to provide an antidote for so much of the religious nonsense that abounds today. The trick is to get people to listen, to read - or at least ask questions!

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I want to see how much more of human consciousness can be accounted for in the physicalist setting, once we proceed further into quantum field theory. I believe that QFT, not ancient theological doctrines, will have the final say.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

There are many prominent atheists out there. People don't know about them, usually until they die. Such atheists have included: Katherine Hepburn, Carl Sagan and Isaac Asimov. Einstein himself was an "agnostic atheist".

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

In a recent opinion poll, 52% of Americans said they would not vote for a "well-qualified" atheist, if one were to run for public office.

Average Ratings

Recent Reviews from Users

User	Date	K	C	T	P
Robert	11/24/08	10	10	10	10
amesha	04/22/08	10	10	10	10
Amesha	04/18/08	10	10	10	10
Dan	10/25/07	10	10	10	10
sunil mahabir	07/05/07	9	10	10	10

Recent Answers from Philip A. Stahl

2009-08-10 Evidence for God.:

Hello, May I say, Thomas, that I certainly enjoyed reading your 'Summa Theologica'? On a serious note, it is good to have a questioner who has seriously reviewed previous answers given to questions

2009-07-09 science behind predictions:

Hello, Science is firmly committed to predictions, since their confirmation is ultimately what validates a theory (say that is tested against another theory). So, predictions are part and parcel of

2009-05-22 atheism:

Hello, Unfortunately, based on my own experience, religious arguments and debates - especially with parents - are never particularly fruitful, or useful. Because there is so much emotional investment

2009-01-30 Why:

Hello, First, no one claims (at least I do not) that one can "scientifically prove" there is no God. In effect, this is tantamount ot proving a negative, which is logically impossible. What I say

2008-11-23 Coming out of Closet:

Hello, In a way, it's not too puzzling as to why believers behave as they do. (Certainly in regard to their reactions to non-believers). I believe at root this is a reflection of a fundamental insecurity

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