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Analysis Of David Hume's Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion

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This paper will be an analysis of David Hume’s Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, and will provide the readers with an interpretation of various arguments made against Philo’s initial argument that was made to show that it is not reasonable to believe in the existence of God. Philo initially suggests that God is just a being that has been regarded in the Christian religion. Provided will be a more in depth analysis of this argument. Then, there will be an interpretation of Demea’s response to this argument, and Cleanthes’ criticism of this response. After the aforementioned argument and criticism, Cleanthes’ response to Philo’s initial argument will be provided, as well as Philo’s criticism of said response. We will then observe Cleanthes’ newly formulated argument from the beginning of part XI. Finally, Philo’s final criticism of Cleanthes’ last argument will be provided and interpreted. Philo initially provides an argument against the idea of believing in God, based on the fact that he thinks that the belief in God is based on Christian religious ideas that people have …show more content…

Demea also brings the words of a poet, Milton, into his argument to try and show the sadness and tormentors that pass through people’s minds. Demea also uses Charles V who publically stated that through his time on the throne he never truly felt satisfaction or contempt. The belief in a benevolent God is what makes life tolerable, and allows you to go through it. Cleanthes argues this by saying that he himself is not miserable which automatically invalidates the argument. This begs you to think that Cleanthes was an Atheist, or something similar to an atheist, so him stating that he is not miserable, without the belief in a God in his life, makes Demea’s argument

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