Many of our most insightful philosophers are comics and entertainers. In all seriousness I’d recommend George Carlin, Bill Hicks and Penn Jillette (of Penn & Teller).

Be sure to check out James Randi as well.

Posted: April 20th 2009

See all questions answered by Dave Hitt

There are a number of scholars in all sorts of academic disciplines who happen to be atheists.

Read a few books, and I’m sure you’ll come across some.

Posted: April 20th 2009

See all questions answered by George Ricker

I think a lot of atheist scholars would immediately ask for your definition of “truth”. It can be redefined out of all usefulness, for example by those who say things like, “What’s true for me is true for me.”

Of the current crop of high-profile atheists, the highest-rated academic is probably Richard Dawkins, but the foremost philosopher is Daniel Dennett. His work on mind and consciousness would be right up your alley.

Going back into history, the philosophy section of this list will give you the names you’re after. Some examples of well-known names on the list are Bertrand Russell, Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche.

Posted: April 19th 2009

See all questions answered by SmartLX

In a very real sense, we are all sincere scholars and seekers of truth, and atheism is one natural, unforced outcome of that search. We are not all teachers or writers, though, so we may not have done as much research on it as e.g. Christopher Hitchens does when he writes a book. Part of the reason I write here on this site is to clarify my thoughts on the subject, and hopefully improve my ability to explain what I have learned.

Posted: April 19th 2009

See all questions answered by brian thomson