A Mono-Dialogue Between an Atheist and a Carthusian
Atheist. And so you see, I am not asserting that there is no God. I simply lack belief that there is one. If you want me to believe, you must give me a reason. Until then, there is nothing for me to defend.
Carthusian.
Atheist. You disagree?
Carthusian.
Atheist. Or perhaps you agree. Either way, surely you see the distinction. I needn't prove that God does not exist. I simply have no reason to believe that he does.
Carthusian.
Atheist. Well, surely you cannot expect me to believe something without a reason!
Carthusian.
Atheist. Don't look at me like that.
Carthusian.
Atheist. Ah. I see your trick. Now you want me to give a reason for requiring a reason.
Carthusian.
Atheist. Buddy, reason is the only game in town!
Carthusian.
Atheist. Oh, don't be so smug! If I use reason to justify reason, then yes, I am arguing in a circle. But some circles are unavoidable!
Carthusian.
Atheist. I know exactly what you're going to say.
Carthusian.
Atheist. Either I trust reason without a reason, or I give a reason and go in a circle. Very clever.
Carthusian.
Atheist. Well, I am quite willing to accept the circle!
Carthusian.
Atheist. I CAN'T TAKE THIS! YOU'RE GOING IN CIRCLES!
The reader may understandably think this little "mono-dialogue" is primarily about reason justifying reason when it is precisely reason that is on trial! And that very well may be the primary takeaway for many readers. Fair enough! For me, however, this charming little scene foregrounds something else entirely, namely: the Carthusian enjoys the enviable probative immunity sought by the atheist not because his position is more rational but rather because the Carthusian is non-ego assertive!
Incidentally, why is it that Western philosophy puts such a premium on demonstrative reasoning? Is not enjoyment better than understanding? Indeed, is it not perfectly possible, at least in some cases, that greater understanding follows greater enjoyment? Is this not remarkable?
By the way, people seem rather put off by a person with an ego. But a person with a strong ego doesn't bother me! I do find ego-assertive people distasteful, however!