History UsefulNotes / RichardDawkins

* MindVirus: His view of religion. Dawkins defines theism as a "delusion".

* RapeAsBackstory: He revealed that he had been molested while a school boy by one of his teachers, but then angered other victims and their advocates by dismissing it as "mild." Still, he did say this was only his experience after criticism. Some later Twitter comments were not viewed favorably either (see the Quotes page).

* ShoutOut: Guess which page number the first Creator/DouglasAdams quote in ''The God Delusion'' is on.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off. He has also been coming under fire from allies recently because his use of Twitter leaves a great deal to be desired, such that even people who agree with the point he's trying to make tend to facepalm and try to dissuade him from repeating the mistake.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off and [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgement have led many to question the quality of his character]]. He has also been coming under fire from allies recently because his use of Twitter leaves a great deal to be desired and often contains comments such as his response to a woman pregnant with a child that had down syndrome; "Abort it and try again..." [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgement Sensitivity is not his strong suit]]. Such that even people who agree with the point he's trying to make tend to facepalm and try to dissuade him from repeating the mistake.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off. He has also been coming under fire from allies recently because his use of Twitter leaves a great deal to be desired and often contains comments such as his response to a woman pregnant with a child that has down syndrome; "abort it and try again..." [[RuleOfCautiousEditingJudgement Sensitivity is not his strong suit]]. Such that even people who agree with the point he's trying to make tend to facepalm and try to dissuade him from repeating the mistake.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off. He has also been coming under fire from allies recently because his use of Twitter leaves a great deal to be desired, such that even people who agree with the point he's trying to make tend to facepalm and try to dissuade him from repeating the mistake.

* BrokenBase: There are some atheists who are skeptical, or even critical, regarding the book ''The God Delusion.''

* ''The Extended Phenotype'' (1982) - Dawkins discusses the idea that animal behavior and its impact on the environment is as much part of a creature's phenotype as its physical body. Dawkins considers this his most significant and best scientific work.

* FirstWorldProblems: Invoked in "[[http://www.redlightpolitics.info/post/7263060171/dear-muslima-stop-whining-will-you-yes-yes-i Dear Muslima]]", as Dawkins' response to "[[ScandalGate Elevatorgate]]" in which feminist "Skepchick", Rebecca Watson, said that an isolated elevator is not an appropriate context for asking someone out, and that doing so regardless made her uncomfortable.

* MeasuringTheMarigolds: Discussed in the ironically named ''Unweaving the Rainbow'', which addresses the idea that science and art are at odds. Dawkins was accused of this in response to some of his books, so he put this out there to explain that he sees [[TheWorldIsJustAwesome the world as full of wonders and a source of pleasure]] ''because'' he's a scientist.

* VoodooShark: His believes theism to be this, at least as far as explaining the origins of universe. He asserts that the existence of a creator is not a satisfactory scientific answer to the question of how the universe originated, as rather than simplifying and expanding our understanding of the universe, such an explanation simply raises more questions (who was the creator, what exactly is he/she/it like, how did they create the universe, etc.). [[Wiki/{{Wikipedia}} The Other Wiki]] even has an article on this argument, which it calls [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Boeing_747_gambit the Ultimate Boeing 747 Gambit.]]

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its ''anti''-theistic position and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using rational arguments, while deconstructing rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, tackles the social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using rational arguments, while deconstructing rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, tackles the social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

* YourApprovalFillsMeWithShame: He was horrified when some of Enron's leaders cited ''The Selfish Gene'' as jusification of their crimes. Later printings include a new introduction specifically debunking their SocialDarwinist interpretation.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[HypocriticalFandom ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before presenting theories about how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict God as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), cites examples of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off. He has also been coming under fire from allies recently because his use of Twitter leaves a great deal to be desired, such that even people who agree with the point he's trying to make tend to facepalm and try to dissuade him from repeating the mistake.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[HypocriticalFandom ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before presenting theories about how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before presenting theories about how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century. Supporters have agreed that this book was fundamental in combating discrimination and stigmatization against atheists. Skeptics/critics have stated that he just went the other way by discriminating against theists, doesn't refute every rival argument (even going as far as to accuse him of [[SelectiveObliviousness ignoring certain arguments]]) and that he demonstrates [[ComplainingAboutShowsYouDontWatch little to no understanding]] [[ArtisticLicenseReligion of the religions he discusses in the book]].

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century. Supporters have agreed that this book was fundamental in combating discrimination and stigmatization against atheists. Skeptics have stated that he just went the other way by discriminating against theists, doesn't refute every rival argument (even going as far as to accuse him of [[SelectiveObliviousness ignoring certain points]]) and that he demonstrates [[ComplainingAboutShowsYouDontWatch little to no understanding]] [[ArtisticLicenseReligion of the religions he discusses in the book]].

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing some of the rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, reviews social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century. Supporters have agreed that this book was fundamental in combating discrimination and stigmatization against atheists. Skeptics have stated that he just went the other way by discriminating against theists, doesn't refute every rival arguement and that he demonstrates [[ComplainingAboutShowsYouDontWatch little to no understanding]] [[ArtisticLicenseReligion of the religions he discusses in the book]].

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using arguments, while deconstructing rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, tackles the social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century. Supporters have said that this book was fundamental in combating discrimination and stigmatization against atheists. Skeptics have stated that he just went the other way by discriminating against theists and that he demonstrates [[ComplainingAboutShowsYouDontWatch little to no understanding]] [[ArtisticLicenseReligion of the religions he discusses in the book]].

* ''The God Delusion'' (2006) - Easily his most controversial book, not least of all because of its [[ExactlyWhatItSaysOnTheTin ''anti''-theistic position]] and often informal tone. Dawkins deconstructs the concept of a supernatural creator expressed in his God hypothesis (his main target is monotheism) using rational arguments, while deconstructing rival arguments, before answering questions such as how religion might have originated, how it came to be so influential, whether we really derive our morality from it or not (also offering AlternateCharacterInterpretation to depict Yahweh as evil), and how it can lead to damaging behaviors. He also explicitly sets out to endorse the [[UsefulNotes/{{Atheism}} atheistic]] point of view, tackles the social roles of religion (and suggests alternatives), raises awareness of religious extremism (though mainstream religion is also heavily criticized), and encourages closeted atheists to come out, likening their plight to that of homosexuals in the late 20th century.

Needless to say, his passionate advocacy of atheism, his contempt of religion, particularly monotheism, as a "Virus of the Mind", and his tendency to host comments like "Science flies you to the moon. Religion flies you into buildings" on his website ticks a lot of people off.

* VoodooShark: His believes theism to be this, at least as far as explaining the origins of universe. He asserts that the existence of a creator is not a satisfactory scientific answer to the question of how the universe originated, as rather than simplifying and expanding our understanding of the universe, such an explanation simply raises more questions (who was the creator, what exactly is he/she/it like, how did they create the universe, etc.). The OtherWiki even has an article on this argument, which it calls [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_Boeing_747_gambit the Ultimate Boeing 747 Gambit.]]

* VoodooShark: His believes theism to be this, at least as far as explaining the origins of universe. He asserts that the existence of a creator is not a satisfactory scientific answer to the question of how the universe originated, as rather than simplifying and expanding our understanding of the universe, such an explanation simply raises more questions (who was the creator, what exactly is he/she/it like, how did they create the universe, etc.).

* SymphonyOfScience: Quotes from Dawkins' documentaries are common. The 5th song, "''The Poetry of Reality''" is named after a quote from ''The Enemies of Reason''.

!! Tropes that apply to the work(s) of Richard Dawkins: