Evidence-Free Assertions: T-Shirt Slogan Power

What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence is a quote by the late English-American author, journalist, and social critic, Christopher Hitchens. The quote, known as Hitchens's razor, is an epistemological razor that serves as a general rule for rejecting certain knowledge claims. The quote has been printed on various items of clothing, including t-shirts, long-sleeve t-shirts, and sweatshirts, and is available for purchase on Amazon and Redbubble.

'Hitchens' Razor'

Hitchens' Razor, named after author and journalist Christopher Hitchens, is an epistemological razor that serves as a general rule for rejecting knowledge claims. The quote, "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence", implies that the burden of proof regarding the truthfulness of a claim lies with the person making the claim. If sufficient evidence is not provided, the claim can be dismissed as unfounded, and opponents are not required to argue further.

Hitchens' Razor was specifically used by Hitchens in the context of refuting religious belief. The quote appears in his 2007 book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything", where he also invoked Occam's Razor. Occam's Razor, or Ockham's Razor, is a principle of economy that relies on disposing of unnecessary assumptions and accepting the first sufficient explanation. Hitchens was attracted to this principle, applying it to religious claims and arguing that attaching religious myth to scientific truths adds unnecessary complication.

Hitchens' Razor has been used alongside the Sagan Standard ("Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence") as an example of evidentialism within the New Atheism movement. Academic philosopher Michael V. Antony argued that while Hitchens' Razor can be used to reject religious belief and support atheism, applying the same logic to atheism would imply that it is also epistemically unjustified.

The T-shirts with the quote "What can be asserted without evidence..." are playing on Hitchens' Razor, suggesting that the wearer is applying this logic to their own life and is perhaps an atheist or a critic of religion.

The burden of proof

Hitchens' razor, as this principle is known, is an epistemological tool used to evaluate the validity of assertions. It suggests that if someone makes a claim without providing evidence, it can be justifiably dismissed without the need for counter-evidence. This idea has been particularly associated with criticism of religious beliefs, as Hitchens himself used this phrase in that context.

The implication of Hitchens' razor is that evidence is essential for establishing the truthfulness of any assertion. It empowers individuals to question claims that lack supporting evidence and to dismiss them if the burden of proof is not met. This concept is particularly relevant in scientific and philosophical inquiries, where rigorous evaluation of evidence is crucial for advancing knowledge.

However, it's important to note that the burden of proof can vary depending on the context. In a legal setting, for example, the burden of proof is typically placed on the prosecution in a criminal case, and they must provide evidence beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. In civil cases, the burden of proof may shift between the plaintiff and the defendant, depending on the specific arguments and counter-arguments presented.

While Hitchens' razor provides a straightforward approach to evaluating claims, it has also faced criticism. Some argue that applying this principle consistently could lead to issues, particularly when considering abstract concepts or beliefs that are not easily proven or disproven through empirical evidence.

In conclusion, the burden of proof is a critical aspect of intellectual discourse and decision-making. Hitchens' razor emphasizes the importance of evidence in justifying claims and empowers individuals to dismiss assertions made without supporting evidence. However, the burden of proof can vary depending on the context, and other factors may come into play when evaluating the validity of a claim.

Refuting religious belief

The quote "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence" is a reference to Hitchens's razor, an epistemological razor created by author and journalist Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens used this phrase in the context of refuting religious belief, implying that the burden of proof regarding the truthfulness of a claim lies with the one making the claim. If this burden is not met, the claim can be dismissed without further argument.

Hitchens's razor is often presented alongside the Sagan standard ("Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence") as an example of evidentialism within the New Atheism movement. This movement, associated with thinkers such as Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, Richard Dawkins, and Bertrand Russell, criticises religion by citing harmful aspects of religious practices and doctrines.

One common criticism of atheism is that denying the existence of a god leads to moral relativism and leaves one without a moral foundation. However, philosophers such as Susan Neiman and Julian Baggini argue that behaving ethically based only on a divine mandate is not true ethical behaviour but blind obedience. They claim that a moral basis external to religious imperatives is necessary to evaluate the morality of the imperatives themselves.

Atheists also argue that unproven religious propositions deserve as much disbelief as all other unproven propositions. This is supported by the idea that everyone is born without beliefs in deities, and therefore, the burden of proof lies with theists to provide a rationale for theism.

In addition, atheists hold that the various conceptions of gods, such as the personal god of Christianity, are ascribed logically inconsistent qualities. For example, the qualities of omniscience, omnipotence, and omnibenevolence ascribed to God by theologians are argued to be incompatible with the existence of evil and suffering in the world.

Atheism, in the broadest sense, is an absence of belief in the existence of deities. It is contrasted with theism, which is the belief that at least one deity exists. Atheism has historically been defended by organisations that advocate for the autonomy of science, freedom of thought, secular ethics, and secularism.

Atheism criticism

The quote, "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence", is often attributed to the English-American author, journalist, and social critic, Christopher Hitchens. The quote is a reference to Hitchens' rejection of religious belief and has been used on T-shirts and in other merchandise.

Atheism, and in particular, the "New Atheism" movement, has faced various criticisms. Here are some key points of criticism:

Lack of Philosophical Novelty

Critics argue that the "New Atheism" movement, despite its aggressive rhetoric, does not present any philosophically unprecedented arguments. The movement is seen as a repackaging of age-old philosophical arguments against theism, combined with intolerant and dogmatic anti-religious rhetoric. This criticism is directed at prominent "New Atheist" authors like Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, Daniel Dennett, and Hitchens, whose works are often characterized by a high level of confidence and moral outrage about the effects of religious beliefs.

Insufficient Evidence for Claims

Atheism, and specifically the "New Atheism" movement, has been criticized for its stringent evidentialism. This criticism points out that the assertion that religious faith is irrational is not universally accepted and that evidentialism itself may not be scientifically justified. The demand for empirical evidence for the existence of God assumes that scientific investigation can explain all aspects of reality, which may not be the case.

Incomplete Moral Framework

While "New Atheists" argue for a universal and objective secular moral standard, critics argue that a biological explanation for moral behavior does not account for what makes moral principles true. Additionally, critics question whether atheism can provide a satisfactory answer to the question, "Why be moral?" The biological answer provided by "New Atheists" may only explain what causes moral behavior but fails to provide a deeper justification for moral principles themselves.

Inadequate Understanding of Religion

Critics like John Gray argue that "New Atheists" fail to understand the true nature of religion. They treat religion as a purely epistemological question, reducing it to a system of beliefs. Gray asserts that religion is much more than a set of claims about the world; it is a body of practices, stories, and images that help humans find meaning in their lives. By ignoring this aspect, "New Atheists" miss the essential and enduring role of religion in human society.

Lack of Diversity and Inclusion

The "New Atheism" movement has also been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusion. It is often dominated by middle to upper-class white males, leading to concerns about its ability to be fully effective and achieve its political ambitions. This criticism highlights the need for the movement to become more inclusive and welcoming to diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, while "New Atheism" has gained significant attention and made compelling arguments, it also faces substantial criticism on various fronts. These criticisms call for a more nuanced understanding of religion, a recognition of the limitations of science, and a more inclusive approach to atheistic activism.

Occam's Razor

The T-shirt with the quote "What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence" is a reference to a philosophical concept known as Hitchens's razor, which was created by and named after author and journalist Christopher Hitchens. Hitchens used this phrase in the context of refuting religious belief, implying that the burden of proof regarding the truthfulness of a claim lies with the claimant. If this burden is not met, the claim can be dismissed without further argument.

Now, this concept has strong parallels with another philosophical principle known as Occam's razor (also spelled Ockham's razor or Ocham's razor). This principle, attributed to the 14th-century English philosopher and theologian William of Ockham, states that "entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity," often paraphrased as "the simplest explanation is usually the best one." Occam's razor is a problem-solving principle that recommends seeking explanations with the smallest possible set of elements.

While Occam's razor is a valuable tool, it has limitations and is not without controversy. Critics argue that it prioritises simplicity over accuracy, and the definition of "simplicity" can be ambiguous. Additionally, in certain fields like biology, relying solely on Occam's razor can be misleading, as some phenomena may be more complex than a simple explanation can capture.

In conclusion, the T-shirt quote from Christopher Hitchens resonates with the philosophical and scientific principle of Occam's razor, advocating for evidence-based claims and simplicity in explanations. However, as with any principle, it has its domain of applicability, and one must be cautious not to oversimplify complex phenomena.

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