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I think Russell’s teapot analogy is aimed primarily at those who hold a religious belief in God, and not at those who hold a belief in a higher power.
If, however, the existence of such a teapot were affirmed in ancient books, taught as the sacred truth every Sunday, and instilled into the minds of children at school, hesitation to believe in its existence would become a mark of eccentricity and entitle the doubter to the attentions of the psychiatrist in an enlightened age or of the Inquisitor in an earlier time.
Originally posted by eight bits
A nice working class "rewrite" of Russell's "Is there a God?" article (the one with the teapot) has appeared, just in time for Christmas, from British comedian Ricky Gervais,
online.wsj.com...
Originally posted by Joecroft
I think Russell’s teapot analogy is aimed primarily at those who hold a religious belief in God, and not at those who hold a belief in a higher power
Originally posted by eight bits
Russell's tea pot isn't aimed at anybody else's beliefs. He's explaining his own freedom from any "burden of disproof," and the reasonableness of his handling of an irrebuttable claim, not commenting on the well-foundedness of anybody else's beliefs.
Another atheist might adapt the example, as the OP tried to do, to explore other people's beliefs, but it is simply a fact that Russell didn't. When Russell writes the sentence you cited and partially bolded,
Originally posted by OutKast Searcher
If you don't believe in this teapot...why are you so concerned about others maybe believing in it?
I think someone is trying to convince themselves that they are right in thinking there is no teapot.
Originally posted by madnessinmysoul
The tiny teapot is still relevant.