Cosmic Skeptic at the ACSJ: "Does The Universe Have a Cause?"
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ส.ค. 2017
- 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.org/
ACSJ TH-cam channel: / sanjoseatheists
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Support the Cosmic Skeptic TH-cam channel on Patreon: / cosmicskeptic
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My Website/Blog: www.cosmicskeptic.com
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aww when all those hands went up after he asked who knew him :) he was extra happy
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.
Álvaro Lopes i'm so proud of him
wowowowowowow wait what I didn't expect to see the phandom here haha
Aech192 I wonder which percent of hands went up
Aech192 hi phandom
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.
CosmicSkeptic how old is that?
Cosmic Sceptic go do a debate at speakers corner in London , would like u to challenge dawah movment ;)
isn't something from nothing a part of hawking radiation or is that something else?
Future Brian Cox in the making o7
Virtual particles also seemingly come from nothing too!
This guy is so smart and articulate.
That is a "blessing" that we have him on the side of rational thinking.
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.
Of course, if he was on the other side, he wouldn't be this smart, would he? So, it makes perfect sense.
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!
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)
beliefless dogmasless Who are you to know what I need? That is not true...
You're a natural Sir - what can't you do?! ;)
Omg!! I found you! Love your work too!
Design graphics and present rebuttals as professionally as you, for a start!
Oh you :D
Another great Brit. Rationality Rules, rules!
Is "Get a room you two!" too cliché?
I always feel like my english vocabulary increases when I listen to Alex talking.
Strange as he uses no uncommon words.
Your first improvement will be to stop misusing the word "like" like.
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 ...
*speaking
His command of grammar is fantastic:)
Same!
I'm not sure what makes you look better, that suit or your incredible commitment to skepticism and rational thought.
I see your comments have improved after "unzips skeptically". That's nice.
unzips unskeptically
A man can multitask.
*unzips while replying to a meta reply*
This comment is a mess
i'd say it's the sarcasm. it's definitly sarcasm
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.
Sometimes you guys sound like those North Korea defectors, goddamn. Its bizarre. Its rough. Hang in there.
+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.
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
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.
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
The polite Hitchens
Not the catchiest nickname, but I'll roll with it.
Sam Harris*
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!
Papyrus haha yeah
Or, a younger, British Harris.
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 TH-cam. You have a very bright future ahead of you in my estimation and I look forward to following your public discourse indefinitely.
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.
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.
@@vhawk1951klLeave to a christian start talking about masturbation in a debate about cosmology.
Nice talk! Some of these arguments were actually new for me. Did not expect that. Thanks! :)
Du hier?
Hat dir jemand den Link ins Wurstbrot geschmuggelt? xD
+
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
OPEN MIND Habe dich hier nicht erwartet :)
OPEN MIND
Really? These are all very standard refutations of the Kalam. Check out Theoretical Bullshit's channel for more in-depth rebuttals.
th-cam.com/video/aD9MtIma5YU/w-d-xo.html
I like how the immediate comments are always positive. Such a nice community.
Early squad is always the best squad.
Salamander i'm actually surprised i was first out of 130k people lol
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.
Salamander I'm a dick
JustAnotherOne lmao
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.
Kat Pringles boxes are tricky though...
Kat is it not pringles can.
Pringles have boxes?!
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 🇬🇧
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...
He's 18 right? What am I doing with my life? Lol
I-is he really 18? How do you know this?
Quinn he answered lots of personal questions here: th-cam.com/video/yx9Ucng5uho/w-d-xo.html
I believe he is 19 now, but yes, he is a young atheist TH-camr and that's what he managed to achieve. I like to compare him with another atheist teenage TH-camr called hiith. Alya Syukri above my comment gave a link to a video where he answers questions including what his age is.
Makes being 30 and attracted to him SUPER awkward.
Kristen70364 Cougar? ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
He's very much younger than I. And very much more intelligent. Listening to smart people is one of my favorite pastimes.
rationalguy 😀 Just so! That is the way intelligent humans learn. Regards from 🇬🇧
*Debunks argument within a scentence* "but that wouldn't be fun so we're doing it another way"... genius
Thrilled to see these opportunities happening for you. This was wonderful to watch. :)
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.
At of curiosity, what is his academic background?
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!
MisterZandals 😳 Well spoken . . .
He will be the fifth horseman. The craziest part is that we are all here when it started.
Fatrix oh i hope not, idolizing people ends up almost always badly. for example: sam harris (imo)
then we will be the witness, will he die a hero or live long enough to become something else
@@nadin3000bieber How's Harris idolized? Or what do you specifically mean?
Btw have a nice day and hail almighty Harris!
@@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.
@@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.
If God can exist without a cause why can't the universe instead?
Henry Lobato yeah
Because that doesn't resolve the question
Hector Grijalva what problem?
Hector Grijalva Neither does
Do you mean the origin of everything? Well, at least we know it wasn't "God".
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
It's God given.
He's so crazy fucking smart and yet such a wholesome human being
This guy is like the second Christopher Hitchens holy shit
I disagree. Alex is way too respectful.
Not really, he has still another 15 years to go, before we can compare the two.
I don't actually see that as a negative thing
saintpine This guy is like the second Christopher Hitchens 15 years ago holy shit
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.
I love this guy, the simple way he talks and the words he uses just show his pure class
Ive been here since 60k subs..Im proud for u man...You deserve much more..
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.
that fucking mic...
Indeed, what the hell is wrong with mounting a decent mic on the desk?
because with this he isnt limited to standing at the desk or facing the mic all the time
How is that an answer to any question?
+Kees den Heijer
By explaining how the alternative to your's is indeed better.
Better? Really? It's looks ugly.
*sees that video is 1 hour long* Yea i won't watch all of it, just the start. *watches all of it*
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
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.
ady gombos infinitely many strawberries doesn't mean one of them will be a grape ;)
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?
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.
Oskari Linnansaari he was wrong about getting rid of his drawers
This man's gonna go places!
The United States with luck. Good riddance to bad rubbish. 🇬🇧
This is simply one of the best, clearest, and most articulate presentations I have seen. Thank you.
"Does anybody know who I am?" Rather a deep question to ask the audience Alex
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.
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.
infinite regress is paradoxical
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
a framework with causality
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.
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
I would be proud to have you as a son. Get married and have lots kids we need more like you.
DAT MIC THOUGH!
Indeed, he looks like Justin Bieber now. Maybe that's why it looks so repulsive for me. :X
His head shape plus the singer's microphone actually DOES look like a young Justin. :-)
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!
I love this. Very well timed humor, good pacing, and well articulated objections to a silly argument.
Great job, Alex.
what an incredible human being
"Celestial North Korea" XD Never heard that one.
You need to familiarize yourself with the works of the late Christopher Hitchens, might I recommend starting with "God is not Great"?
Congratulations, Alex! I've always thought you're incredible for your age, and it's nice to see you getting recognition!
You're going places man. Great channel!
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.
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 .
This speech was on my birthday 😂✌🏼 Awesome job Alex, keep up the good work :)
Honnah Brown same
Reallly enjoying your evolution from youtuber to radio debater to lecturer👍
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.
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.
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.
Someone: What's wrong?
Me: Oh, nothing.
Alex: Well-
i love your channel bro!!! keep up the great work!
It’s really satisfying watching you grow up.I will always want to follow what you are doing with your life.
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.
What's happened to your amazing response videos? I miss those
I have something in the works...
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.
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.
Julie, what is an alpha course?
Been a follower for a very long time. Proud of it!
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!!
I love your channel it's really interesting and well done.
You handled the crowd like you've been doing it for years. Great work, Alex.
Go, man, go! It's been really cool watching your channel gain momentum. Keep up the great work.
That is so awesome you spoke to them! This is an amazing milestone !
I'm glad that his audience is growing
He really deserves that
This channel should be the #1 in this field
Mohammad Hisham
Totally agree Alex and Jeffrey jay lower are leaps and bounds above their fellow atheists/agnostics.
Things this talk was missing:
A tie
Your drawers
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.
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!
Alex! You are a personal hero of mine! I wish I had the guts and knowledge that you do!
"Were you raised religious?" *Altar boy begins playing*
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!
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 TH-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.
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
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
Dear Sir! You have blown my mind again. Keep it up and the world will become more Atheist. Yours Truly The POPE.
a great talk I especially enjoyed the well rounded and inspiring end. Very well done!
Bro your lectures are where you truly shine. Loved this. Hope you are invited to do more after the pandemic.
I'm so proud of you, Alex. ❤️
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
Saleem Says do we know why
Do you mean "how"?
Saleem Says yes. Stupid autocorrect
Great video! I look forward to seeing more of these lectures
Congratulations are in order!! Thank you for being an intellectual inspiration and a source of clear and eloquent reasoning when it comes to topics that perplex just about everyone.
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.
I would love to have a debate with someone
@@ryanthompson9156 what is the topic
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.
Lol
Another brilliant talk Alex. The only downside is I am now spending every evening searching TH-cam for all your videos!! You are amazingly clear and articulate in your arguments.
Great discussion, my favourite video so far, you talk with such confidence it is easy to forget your age. Keep the videos coming please!
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
Intricate and beautiful to you.
congratulations alex! keep it up, you're gonna go far :)
Very good discussion. Thoroughly enjoyed listening to your explanations and ideas on the topic at hand.
Nailed it, once again, Alex! Definitely a new and brilliant angle on this age-old argument. Very well put together, keep up the great work. My country (USA) needs more like you.
AAAAND Carl Sagan's apple pie recipe is now hanging on my wall. thank you for making me aware that this exists!
The next Christopher Hitchens
mabye he will become brutal. ya never know
SynchroVin new waifu
Except better.
SynchroVin Except he has the tolerance and politeness of Dennett and Harris
indeed
You are one brilliant young man. Keep doing what you are doing. I enjoy listening to your ideas.
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).
Can you share your GCSE and A level grades (and for which subject ), also how many books do you read a month? Just curious :)
i will buy you book . just waiting for you to write it !
Good stuff Alex, love this kind of content.
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.
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. 😊
The respect avobe all is, to me, your signature... don't lose it.
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.
You are an excellent public speaker, just as smooth and articulate as you are on your channel.
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
What an honor. I feel like a proud mother
We are thankful to have you.
Outstanding presentation, Alex. Very much a fan anyway but this will definitely grab the attention of those who don't know you already. Top stuff.