num_pages: 424
description: Dawkin's militant atheism is well known; his profound faith less well known In this book atheist philosopher Eric Steinhart explores the spiritual dimensions of Richard Dawkins books which are shown to  the meaning and purpose of life  an appreciation of Platonic beauty and truth  a deep belief in the rationality of the universe  an aversion to both scientism and nihilism As an atheist Dawkins strives to develop a scientific alternative to theism and while he declares that science is not a religion he also proclaims it to be a spiritual enterprise. His books are filled with fragmentary sketches of this spiritual atheism resembling a great unfinished cathedral. This book systematises and completes Dawkins arguments and reveals their deep roots in Stoicism and Platonism. Expanding on Dawkins ideas Steinhart shows how atheists can develop powerful ethical principles compelling systems of symbols and images and meaningful personal and social practices. Believing in Dawkins is a rigorous and potent entreaty for the use of science and reason to support spiritually rich and optimistic ways of thinking and living. 
language: English
title: Believing in Dawkins: The New Spiritual Atheism
publisher: Palgrave MacMillan