The Errors of Atheism

The Errors of Atheism represents Angelo Corlett's systematic philosophical critique of contemporary atheistic arguments, employing the tools of analytic philosophy to expose what he identifies as fundamental logical and methodological flaws in atheist reasoning. Working within the Christian analytic tradition, Corlett constructs a cumulative case against atheism by examining the internal coherence of atheistic positions rather than directly arguing for theism.

Corlett's central thesis contends that modern atheism suffers from critical philosophical errors that undermine its intellectual credibility. He argues that atheists frequently commit category mistakes when discussing religious concepts, misunderstand the nature of religious belief, and employ double standards in their epistemological requirements for theistic versus naturalistic claims. The work systematically analyzes prominent atheist arguments from figures in the New Atheist movement and academic philosophy, demonstrating how these arguments often rely on strawman representations of theistic positions or contain hidden philosophical assumptions that remain unexamined.

The monograph's methodology reflects rigorous analytic philosophy, emphasizing logical precision and conceptual clarity. Corlett employs formal logical analysis to dissect atheistic arguments, revealing instances of question-begging, false dichotomies, and unwarranted inferences. He particularly focuses on the burden of proof debate, arguing that atheists incorrectly assume they bear no epistemic responsibilities for their negative claims about God's existence. The work also examines the coherence of atheistic worldviews, suggesting they face significant challenges in grounding morality, consciousness, and rationality itself.

Corlett's contribution to the God debate lies in shifting focus from positive arguments for theism to exposing weaknesses in atheistic reasoning. By building a cumulative case through multiple independent lines of critique, he aims to demonstrate that atheism as an intellectual position is far more problematic than its adherents typically acknowledge. The work challenges the contemporary cultural perception of atheism as the default rational position, arguing instead that atheistic arguments often fail to meet their own standards of logical rigor and evidential support.

This monograph matters to the broader discourse because it provides sophisticated philosophical pushback against confident atheistic pronouncements that have gained cultural currency. Corlett's work serves as an important counterweight in academic discussions, demanding that atheist philosophers engage more carefully with theistic concepts and acknowledge the philosophical difficulties inherent in their own positions.