Biologist and author Richard Dawkins argued in favor of atheism during a question and answer session with students in Ward 1 on April 4.
Dawkins is the author of “The Greatest Show on Earth” and “The God Delusion.” He previously taught at Oxford University for 13 years.
About 350 people attended the event, hosted by the AU Rationalists and Atheists Club.
“I find it hard to believe any evidence that could convince me of God’s existence,” Dawkins said.
Students familiar with Dawkins’ work and reputation asked questions ranging from consciousness, the origins of morality and “What’s the funniest piece of hate mail you received?”
“I hope you get hit by a Christian van,” Dawkins replied.
Dawkins reiterated his beliefs when School of Public Affairs junior T.J. Whittle asked about his views on the universe, referencing Genesis and the works of Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle.
“Why would you bring Genesis into it when it was clearly written by an ignorant person?” Dawkins said. His response received applause and cheers from the audience.
Whittle rephrased his question, but Dawkins refused to answer, saying he did not understand what Whittle was asking.
Whittle said he purposely tried to push Dawkins on a philosophical view, but he simply refused to understand it.
“For [Dawkins] to say that doesn’t make sense makes me question his authority on the subject,” Whittle said.
Dawkins ended the event by saying religion does not provide a basis for morals. “[People who use religion as a source for morals are] getting it from hideous sources like the Bible and the Quran,” he said.
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