russell and copleston - religious experience - anthology

what is the basis of copleston’s main argument

• Copleston argues that such an experience (regarding RE) means doubt is impossible

• the hypothesis is that there is an objective cause (which is god)

how does copleston define RE

• loving / unclear awareness

• transcends all normal objects

• cannot be pictured or conceptualised

why does russell believe RE is not a good argument

• hard to admit validity

• private matter

• cannot use it as proof for god

what type of RE does Copleston find the most convincing

• mystical experience

• real experience

• love with an external reality

what do they discuss in relation to fiction

• Russell argues people attach themselves to fiction which is not real

• experiences are merely subjective

• copleston argues it can be real and actively motivates people

how do they discuss satanic claims

• russell argues believers would not accept satanic claims but they are said with the same conviction

• copleston does not deny satan but he thinks RE are not visions or expressible

how does russell describe impact

• a positive impact does not necessarily indicate an external force

how do they discuss influencing by fiction

• russell states you can be influenced by fictional characters but it is not real

• copleston refutes by saying fiction is not an otherworldly mystical experience