Why do atheists trust science?

[thedistillers]

As far as I can see, there is no rational reason for the atheist to trust that science will make accurate predictions about the future. Why assuming that the future will be like the past? If atheism is true, then the universe is not rational; it is not sustained by a Person.

The answer, "it works so far" is not a rational answer. For example, we could have an infinite list of numbers generated by a formula and assume that all numbers generated are prime, but as long as we haven't proved that it only generates prime numbers, we can't assume that all numbers are prime just because the first 1000, or 100 000 numbers are prime.

In short, atheists are irrational to trust science, for there is no good reason to assume the future will be like the past. Atheism is based on blind faith. Atheism is irrational.

[normal]

[virphen]

Predictions? You seem to be confusing science with prophecy.

[thedistillers]

Predictions? You seem to be confusing science with prophecy.

Science is about making predictions about the future, as it assumes the universe will continue to behave like the past. But there is no reason to assume that, given atheism.

[Azathoth]

I hope you are wearing flameproof underpants. I'm heading to my bunker.

[normal]

Predictions? You seem to be confusing science with prophecy.

Science is about making predictions about the future, as it assumes the universe will continue to behave like the past. But there is no reason to assume that, given atheism.

I am afraid you will have to look into this whole concept of "science" and "atheism" again. This isn't making much sense

[CJ]

Why do atheists trust science?

The same reason most theists do, it works!

Next stupid question please

[thedistillers]

Predictions? You seem to be confusing science with prophecy.

Science is about making predictions about the future, as it assumes the universe will continue to behave like the past. But there is no reason to assume that, given atheism.

I am afraid you will have to look into this whole concept of "science" and "atheism" again. This isn't making much sense

What doesn't make sense?

Can you tell me when you drive a car, why do you assume that it will work like it did so far?

[thedistillers]

The same reason most theists do, it works!

Why do you assume it will work in the future? If atheism is true, there is no rational reason to believe that.

[Bella Fortuna]

When everyone knows that for predicting the future we go here:

[Thinking Aloud]

"Science! I said, 'science.'"

[virphen]

It does seem a lot safer to live assuming that the laws of physics will be able to hang in there for another day or two.

It would be quite a fucker if you were worried about gravity reversing itself and kicking you off into space.

[95Theses]

As far as I can see, there is no rational reason for the atheist to trust that science will make accurate predictions about the future. Why assuming that the future will be like the past? If atheism is true, then the universe is not rational; it is not substained by a Person.

The answer, "it works so far" is not a rational answer. For example, we could have an infinite list of numbers generated by a formula and assume that all numbers generated are prime, but as long as we haven't proved that it only generates prime numbers, we can't assume that all numbers are prime just because the first 1000, or 100 000 numbers are prime.

In short, atheists are irrational to trust science, for there is no good reason to assume the future will be like the past. Atheism is based on blind faith. Atheism is irrational.

Compared to what? putting trust in a book of ludicrous myths written by a bunch of nomadic bronze age shepherds that couldn't manage to count the number of legs on an insect and thought the best way to influence the colour of a kid goats hide was to hang some coloured sticks in front of it's parents when it is conceived?

Thanks, but religion can keep the paedophiles and the terrorists, I'm going to stick with the body of work that brought us Germ theory, Evolution, Electricity, computers, aeroplanes, space travel, cell phones, etc etc etc.

You feel free to go live in a cave and worship invisible magic sky wizards if takes your fancy, just don't expect me to.

[thedistillers]

As far as I can see, there is no rational reason for the atheist to trust that science will make accurate predictions about the future. Why assuming that the future will be like the past? If atheism is true, then the universe is not rational; it is not substained by a Person.

The answer, "it works so far" is not a rational answer. For example, we could have an infinite list of numbers generated by a formula and assume that all numbers generated are prime, but as long as we haven't proved that it only generates prime numbers, we can't assume that all numbers are prime just because the first 1000, or 100 000 numbers are prime.

In short, atheists are irrational to trust science, for there is no good reason to assume the future will be like the past. Atheism is based on blind faith. Atheism is irrational.

Compared to what? putting trust in a book of ludicrous myths written by a bunch of nomadic bronze age shepherds that couldn't manage to count the number of legs on an insect and thought the best way to influence the colour of a kid goats hide was to hang some coloured sticks in front of it's parents when it is conceived?

Thanks, but religion can keep the paedophiles and the terrorists, I'm going to stick with the body of work that brought us Germ theory, Evolution, Electricity, computers, aeroplanes, space travel, cell phones, etc etc etc.

You feel free to go live in a cave and worship invisible magic sky wizards if takes your fancy, just don't expect me to.

It doesn't matter "compared to what". It is a critique of atheism. I'm not defending any particular worldview.

[95Theses]

The same reason most theists do, it works!

Why do you assume it will work in the future? If atheism is true, there is no rational reason to believe that.

Scientists make observations about the way things behave in the real world, and then set out to show why they happen like that and how they will behave in the future.

Adding lunatic vengeful invisible sky wizards to the mix doesn't help matters to be perfectly honest.