(Published in Faith and Philosophy 2011. Volume 28, Issue 2, April 2011. Stephen Law. Pages 129-151) EVIDENCE, MIRACLES AND THE EXISTENCE OF JESUS Stephen Law Abstract The vast majority of Biblical historians believe there is evidence sufficient to place Jesus’ existence beyond reasonable doubt. Many believe the New Testament documents alone suffice firmly to establish Jesus as an actual, historical figure. I question these views. In particular, I argue (i) that the three most popular criteria by which various non-miraculous New Testament claims made about Jesus are supposedly corroborated are not sufficient, either singly or jointly, to place his existence beyond reasonable doubt, and (ii) that a prima facie plausible principle concerning how evidence should be assessed – a principle I call the contamination principle – entails that, given the large proportion of uncorroborated miracle claims made about Jesus in the New Testament documents, we should, in the absence of indepen
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Watch out for the Moderator, Jenny Brochie, though. She is very clever! and once provoked the former Australian Prime Minister, John Howard, into his first and last, "hissy fit" on national television.
May I just add, I read your book, The Philosophy Gym, and it was wonderful!!!! Please publish some more of your work. I'll buy it.
Please can I clarify that your appearence on SBS "Insight" program, is on Monday 26th of May, at 7.30 pm, Sydney time ?
Because I think the show is pre-recorded? on Monday, and actually screens on Tuesday, 27th of May at 7.30 pm, Sydney time?
I doubled checked all the program guides here and "Insight" is definitely screened on Tuesday, from my veiwing experience, as well.
I think this is so the producer can "edit" what he doesn't like.
Looking forward to seeing you!!
I'll make this one shorter. Like Nigel said, Insight is an excellent show, particularly as every time I watch it the actually discuss relevant problems of a given topic.
When it was on stem-cell research, for instance, they managed to talk about real ethical issues like egg donation (although they did also talk about 'destroying people' and whatnot).
Having you on the show should do the same for faith schools. I'll definitely tune in.
OT, I'm a uni student and I also tutor year 12 philosophy so I appreciate the clear writing in your books and articles. Do you have any pointers for people wanting to communicate philosophy to a general audience?