The burden of proof lies with those making extraordinary claims from "summary" of The God Delusion - by Richard Dawkins by Instaread
According to Richard Dawkins, when someone makes an extraordinary claim, it is their responsibility to provide evidence to support that claim. This is a fundamental principle of scientific inquiry. In the absence of evidence, there is no reason to believe in the truth of the claim. The burden of proof, therefore, lies with those who are making the extraordinary assertion. This principle applies to all claims, but it is particularly relevant when it comes to religious beliefs. Many religious claims are extraordinary in nature, involving supernatural beings and events that defy the laws of nature. In the absence of concrete evidence, there is no reason to accept these claims as true. Dawkins argues that religious believers often try to shift the burden of proof onto non-believers, claiming that they cannot disprove the existence of a deity. However, this is a fallacious argument. The onus is on the believer to provide evidence for their claim, not on the skeptic to disprove it. In the absence of evidence, Dawkins advocates for a default position of skepticism. This does not mean outright rejection of all claims, but rather a withholding of belief until sufficient evidence is presented. This is the essence of critical thinking and rational inquiry. By holding those making extraordinary claims to a higher standard of evidence, we can ensure that our beliefs are based on reason and evidence rather than superstition and blind faith. This principle is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the pursuit of truth.
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