From Ralph Estling
Paul Marston believes that words like “purposeless”, “chance” and “blind”
should not be used by scientists to express scientific ideas because these are
metaphysical terms. He also believes that, in denying God’s existence, atheists
express religious convictions
(Letters, 16 May, p 53).
So, if a person states that the Universe is not purposeless, is not governed
by blind chance but by the fiat of gods, there is nothing a scientist can do to
counteract this opinion, since any attack on it would necessarily include these
words, which are no-nos for scientists. This will make debate on the subject
rather difficult.
No. Metaphysics, religion and philosophy hold no patent rights on vocabulary
where scientists or anyone else is concerned.
And to call atheism a “religious view” because it attacks religion is like
calling people who don’t believe the Earth is flat Flat Earthers, because they
hold views on the subject.
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Ilminster, Somerset
