A Debate on the Existence of God: The Cosmological Argument -- F. C. Copleston vs. Bertrand Russell

Transcript of the full debate available at http://reasonbroadcast.blogspot.com/2...

3:27 to skip the introduction.

BBC Radio Third Programme Recording January 28, 1948. BBC Recording number T7324W. This is an excerpt from the full broadcast from cassette tape A303/5 Open University Course, Problems of Philosophy Units 7-8. Older than 50 years, out of UK/BBC copyright.

This debate was a Third Programmme broadcast of the British Broadcasting Corporation in 1948.

• Category

  Education

[bemister1989]

This is a good debate. Good style. One posits a proposition to the other and lets them have their say. No silencing like nowadays.

[MrBrendaneoin22]

Whatever happened to debates like this on radio and TV?

[DonJC49]

Both Bertrand Russell and Christopher Hitchens have found the answer to their un

belief ... alas, too late ... as will all non-believers.

[MegaSuperpoof]

Wow that was the best argument I've ever listened to. Both of them were very civil, Intelligent speakers I was very interested in both their points of view. The end of the video was like a cherry on top they disagreed and respectively said "Shall we move on to another subject?" just something most people don't do, acknowledge you don't agree with each other opinions and respectfully move on to other topics. Thanks for uploading!

[MegaSuperpoof]

Man this video makes me feel stupid...

[MacOfficial1]

I had to laugh when I read this comment. I think the answer to your question might be found among the mini-debates below. It is evident several of the folks have completely missed the logic of the debate. I suspect it has to do with TV and radio sponors being able to make far more money by promoting beer, half-naked women and male enhancement products (or, to be fair, diet pills, salon products and Jerry Springer...LOL). Ah, wll. An era passed, I guess.

[Ramy Hanna]

WE ARE HUMANS...NO ONE CAN BE MORE HUMAN THAN YOU... WE HAVE THAT CAPABILITY OF BELIEVE IN THINGS THAT DON'T EXIST...LIKE FREEDOM..WE BELIEVE WE HAVE FREEDOM CAUSE WE CHOOSE PAPER OR PLASTIC..

BELIEVING IN GOD OR RELIGION..IS THE SAME AS BELIEVING WE LIVE IN A FREE WORLD.... PEOPLE WILL ALWAYS CHOOSE TO BE IGNORANT THEN KNOW THE TRUTH OR LEARN THE TRUTH..WHICH IS..WE HAVE A MIND AND WE BELIEVE WHAT WE WANT TO BELIEVE... THATS IT

[tonyteb]

prove it



[monolyth421]

God wouldn't even be a consideration if not for thousands of years of historical backdrop.

[movement26]

I like chocolate sheep........I'll get my coat.

[Finn Halligan]

I don't know where you're getting your numbers from, you cannot just say that "millions of people have seen angels" or that "thousands" of those who have suffered a near death experience have seen spiritual beings. But for those who have (which is fewer than you insinuate), I would say that, under certain conditions, the mind is subject to hallucinations, particularly under the machinations of organ failure or a cardiac arrest. Under extreme conditions, our senses are corrupted.

[TheLegoConstructor]

You're offending Aristotle, in case you didn't know, retard...