Cosmic Skeptic at the ACSJ: "Does The Universe Have a Cause?"

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  • Опубліковано 18 жов 2024
  • I'd like to thank the Atheist Community of San Jose for its hospitality and willingness to platform me as their youngest speaker to date. You can find other talks they've hosted using the links below.
    Special thanks to James, Jenna, and Brian.
    If you would like to contact me regarding public speaking opportunities, please don't hesitate. The address to use is cosmicskeptic@gmail.com
    @cosmicskeptic
    --------------------------------------LINKS------------------------------------------------
    ACSJ: sanjoseatheists...
    ACSJ UA-cam channel: / sanjoseatheists
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Support the Cosmic Skeptic UA-cam channel on Patreon: / cosmicskeptic
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    My Website/Blog: www.cosmicskept...
    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    SOCIAL LINKS:
    Twitter: / cosmicskeptic
    Facebook: / cosmicskeptic
    Instagram: / cosmicskeptic
    Snapchat: cosmicskeptic

КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,5 тис.

  • @CosmicSkeptic
    @CosmicSkeptic  7 років тому +863

    My sincere thanks goes to the ACSJ for allowing me to become their youngest speaker. Everybody I had the pleasure to meet in California was incredibly friendly, open, and agreeable; I'll be sure to return to San Jose in the future.

    • @indiephunq698
      @indiephunq698 7 років тому +2

      CosmicSkeptic how old is that?

    • @slyoz6215
      @slyoz6215 7 років тому +5

      Cosmic Sceptic go do a debate at speakers corner in London , would like u to challenge dawah movment ;)

    • @kaischreurs2488
      @kaischreurs2488 7 років тому

      isn't something from nothing a part of hawking radiation or is that something else?

    • @ratslayer4202
      @ratslayer4202 7 років тому +4

      Future Brian Cox in the making o7

    • @MrtinVarela
      @MrtinVarela 7 років тому

      Virtual particles also seemingly come from nothing too!

  • @vendela9052
    @vendela9052 7 років тому +901

    aww when all those hands went up after he asked who knew him :) he was extra happy

    • @Orikron
      @Orikron 7 років тому +121

      I swear, he looked like a kid whose strict dad just teared up and said "I'm really proud of you" after he scored the winning goal.

    • @vendela9052
      @vendela9052 7 років тому +33

      Álvaro Lopes i'm so proud of him

    • @ptolemaea
      @ptolemaea 7 років тому +12

      wowowowowowow wait what I didn't expect to see the phandom here haha

    • @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote
      @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote 7 років тому +6

      Aech192 I wonder which percent of hands went up

    • @Nightmareannimations
      @Nightmareannimations 7 років тому +4

      Aech192 hi phandom

  • @dokturJK
    @dokturJK 7 років тому +488

    This guy is so smart and articulate.
    That is a "blessing" that we have him on the side of rational thinking.

    • @standoughope
      @standoughope 7 років тому +34

      For sure, within 10 years he'll be kryptonite for theist apologists. I was nowhere near this articulate and educated at his age. In fairness to me my parents went out of their way to keep me isolated from outside influences via home schooling and private schools whereas keeping me a Christian was not only priority #1 but it was the only priority. Without doubt it stunted my intellectual growth. Ironically, Alex is a godsend.

    • @TheClassicWorld
      @TheClassicWorld 7 років тому +22

      Of course, if he was on the other side, he wouldn't be this smart, would he? So, it makes perfect sense.

    • @dokturJK
      @dokturJK 7 років тому +7

      beliefless dogmasless by "We" I mean people who are trying to use their brain at the very least as it comes to claiming knowledge.
      I am not nearly as smart as Alex and very few of US (look above)are.
      So I do not absolutely call a specific group of people smart or dumb, the only thing I meant is that Alex is very bright indeed. Have a nice day!

    • @vladstefan5216
      @vladstefan5216 7 років тому +4

      Terncote
      Yeah sure. I lack rational thinking and I do it all out of fear.
      Please explain me, how do you know why I do something if you dont do it. As smart as atheists might be, it is pure hipocracy when one assumes that someone does something out of fear when you dont do it and all you can recall might be your own personal experience while you were religious or not.
      Is very similar to how feminists say that women dont usually complain of discrimination out of fear of men, and then they use their own personal experience (if they have one) as proof.
      How do you know that I do it out of fear? Are you in my shoes. Even if you were a theist once and and recall your own experience, that fact that we are different shows that your personal experience doesnt aply to me when you say is a general attitude.
      And it doesnt make sense that religious people are irational because of their religion compared to atheists if you make only about 14% of the world. Is like saying that 14% of the population is more rational than the entire 86%. If that would be centred around China with 20 of world population and the vast majority of atheist, it would mean that they are more rational than the rest of the world, even if they continue to accept the communist/socialist regim while most of the rest of the world is rational enough to condemn it. (They might have higher IQ but so does Japan, Singapore and Taiwan)

    • @dokturJK
      @dokturJK 7 років тому

      beliefless dogmasless Who are you to know what I need? That is not true...

  • @OpenMind3000
    @OpenMind3000 7 років тому +250

    Nice talk! Some of these arguments were actually new for me. Did not expect that. Thanks! :)

    • @Geigenzaehler
      @Geigenzaehler 7 років тому +14

      Du hier?
      Hat dir jemand den Link ins Wurstbrot geschmuggelt? xD

    • @vampyricon7026
      @vampyricon7026 7 років тому +1

      +

    • @plowenson
      @plowenson 7 років тому +1

      Me too. I thought I've heard all the arguments watching a lot of debates but I learned new ones today :) Next time I watch this I'm gonna take notes :P

    • @rayzon3827
      @rayzon3827 7 років тому +2

      OPEN MIND Habe dich hier nicht erwartet :)

    • @coredeadman5980
      @coredeadman5980 6 років тому +1

      Geigenzähler Ja, ist ganz interessant, hab auch kurz mit Open Mind unter irgendner Reportage in den Kommentaren gechatet. Gucke anscheinend ähnliche Videos.

  • @X_Xe431
    @X_Xe431 7 років тому +167

    I always feel like my english vocabulary increases when I listen to Alex talking.

    • @VinnyG_Music
      @VinnyG_Music 6 років тому +4

      Strange as he uses no uncommon words.

    • @stephenridley1153
      @stephenridley1153 5 років тому +7

      Your first improvement will be to stop misusing the word "like" like.

    • @madeyeloony2047
      @madeyeloony2047 5 років тому +1

      Me too ! Im from Germany and have been learning english seriously for three years now but this Guy was an incredible boost in my ability to Not Sound dumb ...

    • @heathera6774
      @heathera6774 5 років тому

      *speaking
      His command of grammar is fantastic:)

    • @mariaangelova8275
      @mariaangelova8275 4 роки тому

      Same!

  • @geoffstockton
    @geoffstockton 7 років тому +144

    It feels weird to look up to somebody less than half one's own age but I have mad respect for you, Alex. Your arguments are some of the most well-thought-out and well-communicated that can be found on UA-cam. You have a very bright future ahead of you in my estimation and I look forward to following your public discourse indefinitely.

    • @aceofleaf606
      @aceofleaf606 6 років тому +10

      Carl Sagan, Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawking all had youth and brilliance. We seem to recognise age and brilliance when we recognise people, especially as they get older. There's nothing wrong with admiring the people with incredible minds.
      Sadly we associate youth with athleticism and age with intellect and fail to respect the feats of humanity independent of social biases like age and gender.
      If I had a time machine and met Einstein at 20, I would be in awe at his mind even being older by some degree.

    • @vhawk1951kl
      @vhawk1951kl 2 роки тому

      The boy is a bit dim and tends to infantile tendentiousness, presumably be cause he is bored with cinque contra uno, the evidence of which appears on his face.

    • @sensatezdemente4982
      @sensatezdemente4982 Рік тому

      ​@@vhawk1951klLeave to a christian start talking about masturbation in a debate about cosmology.

  • @alienagenda586
    @alienagenda586 7 років тому +213

    As an ex Jehovah's witness who is attending college soon and facing family troubles, that last part meant a lot Alex. Thanks so much.

    • @greenanubis
      @greenanubis 7 років тому +8

      Sometimes you guys sound like those North Korea defectors, goddamn. Its bizarre. Its rough. Hang in there.

    • @jamjinn786
      @jamjinn786 7 років тому +11

      +Alien Agenda
      Same here...the JW cult is so utterly brainwashing and soul destroying - glad he specifically mentioned it! Thanks Alex, keep up the good work.

    • @hippegast12
      @hippegast12 6 років тому +7

      Damn man i feel you. My parents were religious as fuck as well. I got kicked out of my house cuz i am gay (dad died at age of 14) came out when i was 18

    • @bruceruttan60
      @bruceruttan60 6 років тому

      The only friends or family you can keep will be the ones you convert away from the JW cult. Imagine your mother not speaking to your children.

    • @shiflashanga1746
      @shiflashanga1746 6 років тому +2

      I’m also an ex Witness, it’s difficult. Especially as i still live with my mum, i need to get out of here haha

  • @Orikron
    @Orikron 7 років тому +440

    I'm not sure what makes you look better, that suit or your incredible commitment to skepticism and rational thought.

    • @xwarrior760
      @xwarrior760 7 років тому +23

      I see your comments have improved after "unzips skeptically". That's nice.

    • @KalimeroShow
      @KalimeroShow 7 років тому +14

      unzips unskeptically

    • @Orikron
      @Orikron 7 років тому +11

      A man can multitask.
      *unzips while replying to a meta reply*

    • @morwennmusachia2670
      @morwennmusachia2670 7 років тому +2

      This comment is a mess

    • @dawidkomora9603
      @dawidkomora9603 7 років тому

      i'd say it's the sarcasm. it's definitly sarcasm

  • @cosmicslice7267
    @cosmicslice7267 7 років тому +29

    Thrilled to see these opportunities happening for you. This was wonderful to watch. :)

  • @rationalityrules
    @rationalityrules 7 років тому +820

    You're a natural Sir - what can't you do?! ;)

    • @sophieclements908
      @sophieclements908 7 років тому +21

      Omg!! I found you! Love your work too!

    • @CosmicSkeptic
      @CosmicSkeptic  7 років тому +212

      Design graphics and present rebuttals as professionally as you, for a start!

    • @rationalityrules
      @rationalityrules 7 років тому +131

      Oh you :D

    • @ZEUSAIMIGHTY
      @ZEUSAIMIGHTY 7 років тому +16

      Another great Brit. Rationality Rules, rules!

    • @tmrv2974
      @tmrv2974 7 років тому +53

      Is "Get a room you two!" too cliché?

  • @SalamanderMagic
    @SalamanderMagic 7 років тому +272

    I like how the immediate comments are always positive. Such a nice community.

    • @aboxofcheese4788
      @aboxofcheese4788 7 років тому +7

      Early squad is always the best squad.

    • @thalifed2423
      @thalifed2423 7 років тому

      Salamander i'm actually surprised i was first out of 130k people lol

    • @honeybee3269
      @honeybee3269 7 років тому +1

      Salamander
      Well, usually people who are early are fans of the channel, so yes, they'd mainly be positive. It takes a while for people to disagree.

    • @reinhardtheobalddurschseni8415
      @reinhardtheobalddurschseni8415 7 років тому +1

      Salamander I'm a dick

    • @SalamanderMagic
      @SalamanderMagic 7 років тому

      JustAnotherOne lmao

  • @ancantiladodecaminante623
    @ancantiladodecaminante623 7 років тому +19

    Again, one of the most educated, respectful, and logical person I have had the pleasure of listening to. I see a very bright future for Alex..not necessarily what he is doing now..but at anything he puts his mind to. He demonstrates why education is the most important purpose we have in life..and to be where he is at such a young age. I am sure he will one the world's future leaders.

  • @reinhardtheobalddurschseni8415
    @reinhardtheobalddurschseni8415 7 років тому +437

    The polite Hitchens

    • @CosmicSkeptic
      @CosmicSkeptic  7 років тому +196

      Not the catchiest nickname, but I'll roll with it.

    • @infinitetundra
      @infinitetundra 7 років тому +6

      Sam Harris*

    • @dcSENTIENT
      @dcSENTIENT 7 років тому +48

      How about 'Lil' Hitch'? -- Reverent and a bit gangsta. Nawww, not to be in the great man's shadow, you have your own thing going on .. and it's wonderful. Followed you for ages, well done going from strength to strength bro!

    • @ulmo5536
      @ulmo5536 6 років тому

      Papyrus haha yeah

    • @rockysandman5489
      @rockysandman5489 6 років тому

      Or, a younger, British Harris.

  • @MisterZandals
    @MisterZandals 7 років тому +63

    I see great things in my mind for the future of Alex. All of his views on everything are so well spoke and I respect how he responds to other opinions. Keep it up Cosmic Skeptic!

  • @Eli-ns2oz
    @Eli-ns2oz 7 років тому +427

    This guy is around the same age as me, and he is intellectual, Artistic, talented and professional as fuck.
    Meanwhile, I have trouble getting my hand out of a Pringles box.

    • @ciarfah
      @ciarfah 7 років тому +44

      Kat Pringles boxes are tricky though...

    • @DanielHarris579
      @DanielHarris579 7 років тому +13

      Kat is it not pringles can.

    • @frostbyte300
      @frostbyte300 7 років тому +11

      Pringles have boxes?!

    • @sirmeowthelibrarycat
      @sirmeowthelibrarycat 7 років тому +2

      Kat 😖 Confused person here! Please explain the meaning of 'professional as f!!k' ! Are there specific courses leading to professional qualifications in this subject? Do clarify your somewhat clumsy use of crude language, if you can . . . Your friendly atheist 🇬🇧

    • @SteveFrenchWoodNStuff
      @SteveFrenchWoodNStuff 7 років тому +6

      Sir Meow The Library Cat - Leave it up to "Sir Meow" to pick apart a perfectly sensible statement made by "Kat". What the fuck do you think Kat meant? Come on, think about it for 2 seconds... you can do it...

  • @timpieper5293
    @timpieper5293 7 років тому +20

    I love this. Very well timed humor, good pacing, and well articulated objections to a silly argument.
    Great job, Alex.

  • @utah133
    @utah133 7 років тому +25

    He's very much younger than I. And very much more intelligent. Listening to smart people is one of my favorite pastimes.

    • @sirmeowthelibrarycat
      @sirmeowthelibrarycat 7 років тому

      rationalguy 😀 Just so! That is the way intelligent humans learn. Regards from 🇬🇧

  • @imario6945
    @imario6945 7 років тому +13

    I love this guy, the simple way he talks and the words he uses just show his pure class

  • @kostasmassaras7787
    @kostasmassaras7787 7 років тому +21

    Ive been here since 60k subs..Im proud for u man...You deserve much more..

  • @k88aby
    @k88aby 7 років тому +4

    This is one of my favourite videos of yours. I finally got round to watching it in it's entirety just now, and I have to say, that closing statement really touched me. It was evident how passionate you felt about what you were saying and I think a great many people would benefit from watching/hearing those words. Well done Alex, you're an absolute star.

  • @veganground293
    @veganground293 7 років тому +26

    Btw Alex, you're probably the best person I've seen at public speaking and basically articulating your ideas, the normal "Uhmm, uh" etc everyone does gets distracting. Wish I had that talent myself haha

  • @M8H7I
    @M8H7I 7 років тому +12

    I'm glad that his audience is growing
    He really deserves that
    This channel should be the #1 in this field

    • @animatedsermons4448
      @animatedsermons4448 4 роки тому +1

      Mohammad Hisham
      Totally agree Alex and Jeffrey jay lower are leaps and bounds above their fellow atheists/agnostics.

  • @pabmusic1
    @pabmusic1 7 років тому +7

    This is simply one of the best, clearest, and most articulate presentations I have seen. Thank you.

  • @jsmit9484
    @jsmit9484 7 років тому +7

    You're an amazing public speaker! It's something to make a convincing and high quality video, but to do the same live is on another level

  • @ljb5163
    @ljb5163 7 років тому +497

    He's 18 right? What am I doing with my life? Lol

    • @MailinP
      @MailinP 6 років тому +8

      I-is he really 18? How do you know this?

    • @alia_babo
      @alia_babo 6 років тому +9

      Quinn he answered lots of personal questions here: ua-cam.com/video/yx9Ucng5uho/v-deo.html

    • @rockysandman5489
      @rockysandman5489 6 років тому +13

      I believe he is 19 now, but yes, he is a young atheist UA-camr and that's what he managed to achieve. I like to compare him with another atheist teenage UA-camr called hiith. Alya Syukri above my comment gave a link to a video where he answers questions including what his age is.

    • @Kristen70364
      @Kristen70364 6 років тому +36

      Makes being 30 and attracted to him SUPER awkward.

    • @rockysandman5489
      @rockysandman5489 6 років тому +8

      Kristen70364 Cougar? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

  • @mialeht5603
    @mialeht5603 7 років тому +36

    He's so crazy fucking smart and yet such a wholesome human being

  • @georgestewart5879
    @georgestewart5879 7 років тому +7

    Alex, I know exactly what you mean about the effects being brought up a catholic, I gave it up when I was about 16 and have never regretted it but it took many years before I was able to lay aside the guilt I felt. Thought it was great talk, especially as it was the first time, keep up the good work. Keep the faith, lol .

  • @proplejeezus6406
    @proplejeezus6406 7 років тому +63

    *Debunks argument within a scentence* "but that wouldn't be fun so we're doing it another way"... genius

  • @juliebarks3195
    @juliebarks3195 7 років тому +16

    I would be proud to have you as a son. Get married and have lots kids we need more like you.

  • @Tintenfischchen
    @Tintenfischchen 7 років тому +22

    This man's gonna go places!

    • @stephenridley1153
      @stephenridley1153 5 років тому

      The United States with luck. Good riddance to bad rubbish. 🇬🇧

  • @lydiamcgowan9228
    @lydiamcgowan9228 7 років тому +15

    what an incredible human being

  • @1Selgin
    @1Selgin 7 років тому +6

    Congratulations, Alex! I've always thought you're incredible for your age, and it's nice to see you getting recognition!

  • @revision4life
    @revision4life 7 років тому +69

    He will be the fifth horseman. The craziest part is that we are all here when it started.

    • @nadin3000bieber
      @nadin3000bieber 6 років тому +3

      Fatrix oh i hope not, idolizing people ends up almost always badly. for example: sam harris (imo)

    • @zeromailss
      @zeromailss 5 років тому +3

      then we will be the witness, will he die a hero or live long enough to become something else

    • @richardgamrat1944
      @richardgamrat1944 5 років тому +1

      @@nadin3000bieber How's Harris idolized? Or what do you specifically mean?
      Btw have a nice day and hail almighty Harris!

    • @vincemcmahonreadskoran3120
      @vincemcmahonreadskoran3120 3 роки тому

      @@richardgamrat1944 he probably didn’t closing the latest sjw bullshit. They’re disavowing Richard Dawkins cuz idk. Trans stuff? All atheists can agree on is there’s no proof for god and that’s all we need to agree on. We should be more open to arguments on everything else knowing there’s no ultimate source of morality for us to refer to.

    • @richardgamrat1944
      @richardgamrat1944 3 роки тому

      @@vincemcmahonreadskoran3120 You say that all atheist have to agree on is that there is no proof for god and then proceed to implicitly assume that we also agree on there not being objective morality.

  • @worldpeacepatriot9448
    @worldpeacepatriot9448 Рік тому +1

    The always most erudite , intelligent and enlightened Alex ! So young yet so brilliant ! He's going to have great impact on the whys of peoples beliefs and especially on the young !

  • @hyzenthlay7151
    @hyzenthlay7151 7 років тому +2

    I wish I was in the UK, I would take you out for a coffee and thank you for being just as you are, a true thinker and debater that possesses a wonderful mind and an eloquent speaking manner, and to remind you that you are doing so much for logic and reason, but always with respect at the forefront of your arguments. The world needs more young people like you!!

  • @Smilliztho
    @Smilliztho 7 років тому +7

    Since this is your first talk you absolutely owned it! Kept it interesting, funny and intellectual, you are surly very talented and i am sure we will see a lot more of you in the future!

  • @brucebrucestofiston5554
    @brucebrucestofiston5554 7 років тому +4

    Your a Natural at public speaking. With all the positive praise your getting make sure you keep your mates around to kick your arse and keep you in line.

  • @honnahbrown8193
    @honnahbrown8193 7 років тому +8

    This speech was on my birthday 😂✌🏼 Awesome job Alex, keep up the good work :)

  • @adribones
    @adribones 7 років тому +8

    Reallly enjoying your evolution from youtuber to radio debater to lecturer👍

  • @brian8369
    @brian8369 5 років тому +4

    Great talk Alex, thanks for dissecting the causality argument. I was one of those people that felt that the argument for it didn't feel right but was struggling to understand why.

  • @mrgrumblebum7613
    @mrgrumblebum7613 7 років тому +3

    Just to say you did a great job as a first time out, you spoke with eloquence and quiet confidence in your position handling the Q&A better than many a seasoned speaker I've seen, well done.

  • @noname2n2
    @noname2n2 7 років тому +370

    If God can exist without a cause why can't the universe instead?

    • @stanmarsh4019
      @stanmarsh4019 7 років тому +7

      Henry Lobato yeah

    • @hjga
      @hjga 7 років тому +5

      Because that doesn't resolve the question

    • @slyoz6215
      @slyoz6215 7 років тому +21

      Hector Grijalva what problem?

    • @goldbyrd3667
      @goldbyrd3667 7 років тому +22

      Hector Grijalva Neither does

    • @noname2n2
      @noname2n2 7 років тому +3

      Do you mean the origin of everything? Well, at least we know it wasn't "God".

  • @gj9157
    @gj9157 7 років тому +7

    You're going places man. Great channel!

  • @willdriver7542
    @willdriver7542 7 років тому +7

    You handled the crowd like you've been doing it for years. Great work, Alex.

  • @insanisstultitia3119
    @insanisstultitia3119 7 років тому +5

    Dear Sir! You have blown my mind again. Keep it up and the world will become more Atheist. Yours Truly The POPE.

  • @benjisandk
    @benjisandk 7 років тому +4

    Alex! You are a personal hero of mine! I wish I had the guts and knowledge that you do!

  • @vicxray3657
    @vicxray3657 7 років тому +9

    When I was 8 or something I thought about nothing and something and basically what i thought was that nothing HAD to be something because otherwise it just doesn't exist and we couldn't be able define ABSOLUTE nothingness it was really interesting for me i don't know why but I always have such theory's and I always get really excited if I get to argue about these things ( maybe a little too much )
    Anyways I love your content especially your response videos and I watched this whole video and I think this is really interesting and I learned something new because of it and I think you deserve more attention
    Love from the netherlands 🇳🇱❤️❤️ keep it up

    • @gizziegamez1482
      @gizziegamez1482 5 років тому +2

      vicxray 365 your right 8yr olds know a lot of shit
      Especially because of the fact they always ask why
      I’m being sincere
      Young children ask questions...and when you tell them some bullshit they ask you more why questions

  • @schmooopy
    @schmooopy 7 років тому +43

    I'm really glad you touched on "nothing." One of the most common arguments I hear from theists is when they respond with "how can something come from nothing?" Simply put, it doesn't. The question itself is absolute nonsense. The word "from" implies "somewhere," and somewhere isn't nothing, it's something; when something "comes" it's coming _from_ somewhere, and that somewhere can't be "nothing." I would also suggest that the question does several things: first, it seeks to discredit the idea that atheists aren't compelled to believe in a god by inferring that we somehow believe the universe came about by magic - an irony that has been lost on many. Secondly, it is an attempt to lend credence to the idea that the universe _can_ come about by supernatural means, therefore justifying a theist's position. In other words "if a universe can appear out of nowhere (supernatural), then we can't discount the idea that a god created it either (supernatural). Lastly, it pulls the rug out from underneath the person posing it. They have no experience of "nothing." I have no experience of "nothing." Since none of us have any experience of "nothing" it's not really a question we're qualified to ask.
    Also, they way you broke down and clarified Kalam's Cosmological Argument was brilliant.

    • @paulkerr4802
      @paulkerr4802 7 років тому +4

      this isn't what theists are saying at all. the question "how can something come from nothing?" is rhetorical; It's meant to give the point that some effect cannot be caused by nothing, otherwise we would notice things appearing for no reason whatsoever. The whole point of the question is to say that IF the universe had a beginning, some in-contingent being must have caused it (a timeless being). As for the experience part, that simply doesn't make sense. You didn't experience infinity, so how can you make a question relating to it. That means everyone using calculus are not qualified to do so, which is simply stupid. I'm not saying that you cant make a logical argument for atheism but i'm just saying your point here is really incoherent.

    • @paulkerr4802
      @paulkerr4802 7 років тому +1

      infinite regress is paradoxical

    • @paulkerr4802
      @paulkerr4802 7 років тому

      uncaused can either mean uncaused within a causal framework or uncaused without a causal framework. God does not exist within a causal framework and so is uncaused. an uncaused thing within a causal framework is paradoxical

    • @paulkerr4802
      @paulkerr4802 7 років тому

      a framework with causality

    • @paulkerr4802
      @paulkerr4802 7 років тому

      causality talks about a cause that creates a subsequent effect, which in itself could create another cause and effect. if you exist within time, you obey the laws of causality. Your future self (effect) cannot go back before he was born (cause) because it results in a violation of causality. God, on the other hand, does not exist within our universe and so time does not affect God.

  • @johnshouldiers1567
    @johnshouldiers1567 7 років тому +1

    That was beautiful. You finally covered all I've been thinking. I'm now at ease in my mind knowing that this is truly being discussed.

  • @kaypoetgee2058
    @kaypoetgee2058 3 роки тому

    I always watch your channel ''CosmeticSkeptic'', I must say every video I watch in your channel I learn something new.

  • @veganground293
    @veganground293 7 років тому +287

    This guy is like the second Christopher Hitchens holy shit

    • @MrtinVarela
      @MrtinVarela 7 років тому +73

      I disagree. Alex is way too respectful.

    • @saintpine
      @saintpine 7 років тому +21

      Not really, he has still another 15 years to go, before we can compare the two.

    • @veganground293
      @veganground293 7 років тому +19

      I don't actually see that as a negative thing

    • @epicdman8139
      @epicdman8139 7 років тому +4

      saintpine This guy is like the second Christopher Hitchens 15 years ago holy shit

    • @elitemangudai1016
      @elitemangudai1016 7 років тому +15

      he's at the beginning of the road of establishing himself. but it's also a character thing. i still assume he'll be more grounded with growing experience. he's very young.

  • @luke7167
    @luke7167 7 років тому +9

    "Does anybody know who I am?" Rather a deep question to ask the audience Alex

  • @paige2748
    @paige2748 7 років тому +5

    I'm so proud of you, Alex. ❤️

  • @svanhoosen
    @svanhoosen 6 років тому +1

    Excellent presentation. I really related to your comment at the end about the damage from being raised with a fear of Hell. I discarded Christianity over 30 years ago (around age 21), and for many years I would periodically have the same sudden, momentary fears. Fortunately it does eventually fade away, but that is one of the reasons that I've been an outspoken atheist for three decades (long before the "New Atheists" arrived).

  • @Huakus
    @Huakus 7 років тому +8

    The respect avobe all is, to me, your signature... don't lose it.

  • @Dalen22_W
    @Dalen22_W 7 років тому +37

    *sees that video is 1 hour long* Yea i won't watch all of it, just the start. *watches all of it*

  • @TheJarJarKinks
    @TheJarJarKinks 7 років тому +18

    "Celestial North Korea" XD Never heard that one.

    • @VideoGamerabc
      @VideoGamerabc 5 років тому +4

      You need to familiarize yourself with the works of the late Christopher Hitchens, might I recommend starting with "God is not Great"?

  • @oskarilinnansaari6314
    @oskarilinnansaari6314 7 років тому +160

    the multiverse cannot exist because that would mean that there is a possible universe out there in which Mr.O'Connor can be wrong, and that is not allowed by the laws of physics

    • @adygombos4469
      @adygombos4469 7 років тому +23

      Oskari Linnansaari That's not true, there are videos out there that can explain this better than me, but basically, infinite universes doesn't automatically mean there's an universe for every possible outcome.

    • @ciarfah
      @ciarfah 7 років тому +14

      ady gombos infinitely many strawberries doesn't mean one of them will be a grape ;)

    • @016329
      @016329 7 років тому +3

      c fahy A very good analogy! However, I do see a problem with it when it comes to the multiverse as an explanation for all of existence: if it is true that there is an infinite number of universes but they are not infinite in form because there is some kind of restriction in the wider multiverse on what form universes can take, we then need to explain why and how restrictions like that could exist in an infinite multiverse. How did these restrictions come about?

    • @ericalbers4867
      @ericalbers4867 7 років тому +3

      Oskari Linnansaari that assumes him being wrong is a possibility or an option.
      Such as "with infinite universe's there would be one where the universe never existed".
      Or the infinite multiverse may not be infinite in the way most think of that concept. Such as 1 and 2 are not infinite. You can count from 1 to 2. However there are infinite numbers between the two. It's called "countable infinity". It's illogical, counting infinity. Or infinity having a definite beginning and end yet unendin g as well.

    • @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote
      @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote 7 років тому

      Oskari Linnansaari he was wrong about getting rid of his drawers

  • @irvinargon
    @irvinargon 7 років тому +1

    Been a follower for a very long time. Proud of it!

  • @wjchanter
    @wjchanter 7 років тому

    Thank you so much for coming over here and providing your time. I have been watching you for a long time now. I am so impressed at how young you are. I am extremely grateful toward your contribution to this next generation. I am excited that you are springing up more atheists like you and "waking" more people up from your logical videos. A big thanks!

  • @factsheet4930
    @factsheet4930 7 років тому +75

    DAT MIC THOUGH!

    • @keesdenheijer7283
      @keesdenheijer7283 7 років тому +1

      Indeed, he looks like Justin Bieber now. Maybe that's why it looks so repulsive for me. :X

    • @Yeiyn343
      @Yeiyn343 6 років тому

      His head shape plus the singer's microphone actually DOES look like a young Justin. :-)

  • @Aarontlondon
    @Aarontlondon 7 років тому +70

    What's happened to your amazing response videos? I miss those

    • @CosmicSkeptic
      @CosmicSkeptic  7 років тому +107

      I have something in the works...

    • @juliebarks3195
      @juliebarks3195 7 років тому +8

      Go on an alpha course six weeks. Use an alias and then come back to us with a review of what happened. Then you could start an anti-Alpha course for young people who have been subjected to it.

    • @juliebarks3195
      @juliebarks3195 7 років тому

      I stand corrected. But the Alpha course is spreading here in the UK like a virus [ DR DARREL RAY] We need an antidote and Alex could be our man on the inside. They are targeting the young in private schools, colleges, and universities.

    • @rockysandman5489
      @rockysandman5489 6 років тому

      Julie, what is an alpha course?

  • @Salih_Swag
    @Salih_Swag 7 років тому +3

    What an honor. I feel like a proud mother

  • @rickhenderson2970
    @rickhenderson2970 5 років тому +1

    I'm not a philosopher, but I had this EXACT same argument with a theist years ago on a literature forum that had a sub-forum for philosophy. I don't remember the details of the debate, but I remember wondering at the time why I hadn't seen anyone else make this argument. I'm sure others have, but I'm glad in knowing I'm not alone in, one, using the argument and, two, wondering why it isn't more popular!

  • @valerieangell7588
    @valerieangell7588 4 роки тому

    It’s really satisfying watching you grow up.I will always want to follow what you are doing with your life.

  • @landis9767
    @landis9767 7 років тому +6

    that final part, man. keep it up you're awesome. we need to fight religion, not simply because it's wrong, but because it's unhealthy, both for the individual and for society.
    that said, you should have taken the drawers with you!

  • @AsiandOOd
    @AsiandOOd 7 років тому +6

    The universe in my opinion doesn't have a cause and that it can just appear without any objective purpose is what makes our existence so intricate and beautiful

    • @nutmeg0144
      @nutmeg0144 4 роки тому +1

      Intricate and beautiful to you.

  • @amandaekiss1947
    @amandaekiss1947 7 років тому +3

    I absolutely love your channel! You and Jacqueline Glenn were the people who inspired me to start my own channel. Still it is amazing to see another young person who is not indoctrinated by the religion of their parents. 😊

  • @jimdigriz2923
    @jimdigriz2923 7 років тому +1

    If that's your first attempt at public speaking, I applaud you for a stellar effort. Good presentation and a good Q&A to boot. You have a great future ahead (and a new subscriber).
    Hitch would be proud.

  • @richardmooney383
    @richardmooney383 7 років тому

    You never cease to amaze me - in a good way! Please keep up the good work. I cannot imagine you ever having nothing more to say. In any case, as you say yourself in this talk, these things need saying over and over again.

  • @mohammedwong7305
    @mohammedwong7305 7 років тому +7

    I think of the Atheist/Theist debate topics much the same as I think of Shakespeare's plays. They are almost folk lore. Everyone knows how all of the stories go and how they all end. Different players deliver the lines a little differently with different styles and varying loads of "panache," but the plays go basically the same every time and always will. You can be a life-long Shakespearian actor if you want, many have, but most branch out to other acting endeavors after a while. I still go see a Shakespeare play now and again or (more often) go see a filmed version of one. They are timeless---perhaps they never began . . .

  • @beeameme9729
    @beeameme9729 7 років тому +11

    Someone: What's wrong?
    Me: Oh, nothing.
    Alex: Well-

  • @OLR1337
    @OLR1337 7 років тому +140

    that fucking mic...

    • @keesdenheijer7283
      @keesdenheijer7283 7 років тому +9

      Indeed, what the hell is wrong with mounting a decent mic on the desk?

    • @SNORKYMEDIA
      @SNORKYMEDIA 7 років тому +10

      because with this he isnt limited to standing at the desk or facing the mic all the time

    • @keesdenheijer7283
      @keesdenheijer7283 7 років тому +2

      How is that an answer to any question?

    • @MrtinVarela
      @MrtinVarela 7 років тому +2

      +Kees den Heijer
      By explaining how the alternative to your's is indeed better.

    • @keesdenheijer7283
      @keesdenheijer7283 7 років тому +1

      Better? Really? It's looks ugly.

  • @psychicsnail658
    @psychicsnail658 7 років тому +1

    An exceptionally good first presentation. There is no doubt you could make a good living on the presentation / debating circuit if that's something you wanted to do. I find you more engaging than the other well known atheist debaters, all you lack is the depth of knowledge that only comes with years of study - being able to pull quotes out of the air like Hitchens for example.
    I think its your refreshing humility and energy that set you aside. I hope you never run out of things to say, as it would be a great loss if you were to become quiet. All the best.

  • @Bazzo61
    @Bazzo61 5 років тому

    Another brilliant talk Alex. The only downside is I am now spending every evening searching UA-cam for all your videos!! You are amazingly clear and articulate in your arguments.

  • @TheOicyu812
    @TheOicyu812 7 років тому +35

    Alex. You are truly doing god's work. Nah, . . . just kidding. But I am being serious when I say you're doing great work. Keep fighting the good fight.

  • @ryanthompson9156
    @ryanthompson9156 7 років тому +6

    I'm christian and I enjoy watching your videos to get a new perspective on my beliefs. I believe that ignorance and hate is spread by reluctance to listen to the opposing argument.

    • @ryanthompson9156
      @ryanthompson9156 7 років тому

      I would love to have a debate with someone

    • @rockedwow7217
      @rockedwow7217 5 років тому

      @@ryanthompson9156 what is the topic

  • @XBoY4869
    @XBoY4869 7 років тому +11

    According to quantum mechanics, empty space is not really empty, rather it is populated by quantum particle pairs that blink into existence (yes, seemingly out of *nothing*) and then annihilate each other in an incredibly short amount of time

    • @snowyowl7991
      @snowyowl7991 7 років тому +1

      Saleem Says do we know why

    • @XBoY4869
      @XBoY4869 7 років тому +1

      Do you mean "how"?

    • @snowyowl7991
      @snowyowl7991 7 років тому +1

      Saleem Says yes. Stupid autocorrect

  • @thalifed2423
    @thalifed2423 7 років тому +4

    i love your channel bro!!! keep up the great work!

  • @madmaverick
    @madmaverick 7 років тому

    This is a fascinating subject that I had been hoping you would cover, as this is an argument that the more informed deist likes to wield, and many of the rebuttal videos I have seen on UA-cam target even simpler ideas that are easily contested. While certainly enjoyable, I find that it's important to progressively tackle more complex theological arguments, and I'm excited to see you do just that. Congratulations on getting to speak to a crowd like this for the first time! I love your videos.

  • @samaraschiffman3201
    @samaraschiffman3201 7 років тому +5

    I love your channel it's really interesting and well done.

  • @zanderserrine4935
    @zanderserrine4935 7 років тому +4

    14:40 "Oh, it's not broken at all. That's it."
    I'm surprised that didn't generate more laughter; I'm dying here. XD

  • @morwennmusachia2670
    @morwennmusachia2670 7 років тому +8

    "Were you raised religious?" *Altar boy begins playing*

  • @ArtfullyMusingLaura
    @ArtfullyMusingLaura 7 років тому

    You are an excellent public speaker, just as smooth and articulate as you are on your channel.

  • @kriskquinn.68
    @kriskquinn.68 4 роки тому

    Just came across this video, first time seeing you! I feel your psychological processing and understanding of such an important subject is impressive! It's reassuring, let alone necessary, that someone in these newer generations occupy and share this pursuit of knowledge in such a way!

  • @josephmarsh5031
    @josephmarsh5031 7 років тому +4

    AAAAND Carl Sagan's apple pie recipe is now hanging on my wall. thank you for making me aware that this exists!

  • @aryelpanda
    @aryelpanda 7 років тому +11

    i will buy you book . just waiting for you to write it !

  • @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote
    @HaydenTheEeeeeeeeevilEukaryote 7 років тому +10

    Things this talk was missing:
    A tie
    Your drawers

  • @evilmatt91
    @evilmatt91 7 років тому

    I love that you always have a fresh and nuanced take on some of the same old arguments and the way you describe them is as eloquent and clear as Hitchens. Always refreshing and interesting to listen to. Thanks Alex.

  • @helsiclife
    @helsiclife 5 років тому +1

    Listening to you while cooking lunch!

  • @juliamaria1180
    @juliamaria1180 7 років тому +3

    congratulations alex! keep it up, you're gonna go far :)

  • @xwarrior760
    @xwarrior760 7 років тому +133

    What about memes? They must've came out from nothing right?

    • @brucebaker810
      @brucebaker810 7 років тому +27

      Memes are conceptual. They are produced by brains. And they often "come from" a thing that exists (a photo, a drawing, a phrase), to which additional value, meaning or significance is added...by someone's brain.
      Is it the medium? Or the message? It does require both sender and receiver. Does the drunk guy's face only become a meme once a caption is added? Once it's shared the first time, the hundredth time...the millionth time?
      If a video that gets a million views is "viral", was it also viral at 999,999? Yes? Okay, how about at 100? No? Where's the line? Perhaps, as in biological evolution, there's no "one point".
      Nor is there to this comment. So yeah...ciao.

    • @brucebaker810
      @brucebaker810 7 років тому +1

      samson Good point. Dawkins. "Inventor" of "memes".
      Kinda funny. People who revile Dawkins...still (and unknowingly) use the term he coined.

    • @calebr7199
      @calebr7199 7 років тому

      Masaomi Kida What about Dat boi? Dat boi is a completely self-made meme.

    • @svendtang5432
      @svendtang5432 7 років тому +4

      Masaomi Kida in fact you could say a meme come from sugar used by the brain.. I know this

    • @xx-sg8wx
      @xx-sg8wx 7 років тому +1

      They come from Izaya Orihara trolling the internet.

  • @vinnie7977
    @vinnie7977 7 років тому +322

    The next Christopher Hitchens

    • @vinnie7977
      @vinnie7977 7 років тому +32

      mabye he will become brutal. ya never know

    • @noname2n2
      @noname2n2 7 років тому +3

      SynchroVin new waifu

    • @bobstuffguy3708
      @bobstuffguy3708 7 років тому +3

      Except better.

    • @epicdman8139
      @epicdman8139 7 років тому

      SynchroVin Except he has the tolerance and politeness of Dennett and Harris

    • @vinnie7977
      @vinnie7977 7 років тому

      indeed

  • @zeko77tz
    @zeko77tz 7 років тому +1

    Hitch would have been proud. There is a great potential in you. Keep on the good work.

  • @olearris
    @olearris 7 років тому

    That is so awesome you spoke to them! This is an amazing milestone !

  • @crisptomato9495
    @crisptomato9495 7 років тому +24

    Alex is like a baby Hitchens.

  • @EricSmyth4Christ
    @EricSmyth4Christ 7 років тому +4

    I wore a blazer for the first time the other day, and now I am seeing all the cool kids wearing it haha

  • @emmazaia749
    @emmazaia749 7 років тому +41

    You are the reason that I am an atheist today, and as an Australian this couldn't have come at a better time. We are about to have a "national survey" on if marriage equality should be passed. Australia's largest 'religious' population swung from Christian to Atheist in the last 5 years which is the only hope we have of getting a "yes" majority on this vote to make a positive and overdue change. Well done Alex, thank you for saving me from slavery to an imaginary bigoted hedonistic and cruel wanker of a god.

    • @smegmalasagna
      @smegmalasagna 7 років тому +1

      Emma Zaia countries like Australia and especially America aren't balanced out. If you aren't Christian in America you have no chance at getting big in politics etc. Atheists are the most untrusted people in America.
      I live in The Netherlands where the biggest majority 50% of the population is Atheist. Everyone has an equal chance at getting a job no matter what mindset they have.

    • @Geigenzaehler
      @Geigenzaehler 7 років тому

      +Meerkat
      You are commenting this under a video, that does adress an argument for god. How the fuck is this not investigating both sides?
      Also, there are no actual reasons to not believe. There are only reasons to believe. But if these reasons (for example the Cosmological Argument) make no sense, this is the only reason to not believe.
      You are pretending, that not believing is an active thing to do.

    • @Apollogetics
      @Apollogetics 7 років тому +1

      +Geigenzähler
      "You are commenting this under a video, that does adress an argument for god. How the fuck is this not investigating both sides?"
      It does not because its without "due diligence" or exhausitive or meticulous
      "You are pretending, that not believing is an active thing to do."
      YES!! that is exactly what I am saying you atheists do all the time.

    • @Geigenzaehler
      @Geigenzaehler 7 років тому

      +Meerkat
      You can always discuss a topic more detailed. You are just moving the goalposts.
      If you think, that Alex's lecture was insufficient, instead of telling the viewers to inform themselves in more detail, just tell us, what Alex missed in his argumentation, what fallacies he performed or point out the obvious flaws you seem to see. Or present your own counterarguments.
      Me not believing in a God is as active as you not believing in the Unicorn-Cyclop-Ninja-Pirate, whose holy scripture I received 14 years ago.
      Me discussing the topic of religion is indeed an active thing, but that is not the point. Most atheist are not living out their believes publicly, like I do. But you can only meet the more offensive atheists like me (I only respond to bullshit claims. I never start an argument). So your views on atheists is really not representive, which is why I think you confuse "not believing" with an active standpoint.

    • @Apollogetics
      @Apollogetics 7 років тому

      +Dylan He
      There is a difference between belief in the existence of God and belief in God in terms of trust or faith. The former is , for the most part, NOT a choice, which is what you actually referring to.
      However, the latter IS a personal choice and is not amendable to science or reason because no amount evidence or reason can convince someone to trust God. This is what many atheists like you are suffering from and try to convince yourself and others that it is the former when its actually the latter.

  • @MatthewBaran
    @MatthewBaran 7 років тому

    You're incredibly intelligent, and it only seems your grasp of knowledge and understanding keeps exponentially growing.

  • @spridle
    @spridle 3 роки тому

    Bro your lectures are where you truly shine. Loved this. Hope you are invited to do more after the pandemic.