Objective Verification in the Age of Empirical Inquiry

In the modern world, many advocate for the use of strict, verifiable methods to confirm the truthfulness of claims. Proponents of this approach are convinced that only a reliance on logic, science, and empirical testing can provide a reliable representation of reality. When entering into dialogue, they reject arguments based solely on personal experience or traditional beliefs, as such arguments often lack the possibility for objective verification and can lead to self-deception. This critical analysis emphasizes the importance of independently verifying facts and claims, since the truthfulness of a position is determined not by personal beliefs but by the results of rigorous rational inquiry. This approach not only helps overcome illusions but also contributes to the development of a sound and constructive public dialogue, where every argument must withstand the test of time and objective criteria.

Why do atheists, in demanding evidence, often dismiss the arguments presented by labeling them as self-deception or self-suggestion?

Atheists insist that evidence must be based on objective, logically sound methods and empirical validation. They believe that arguments built on subjective experience or traditional beliefs do not meet these strict criteria and, having failed the test of rational methods, are criticized as examples of self-deception or self-suggestion.

For example, one source states:
"skeptics completely disregard those rules and methods that have been developed over centuries for establishing the truthfulness of facts and conclusions. I mean logic, science, and jurisprudence." (source: link )

Another source explains that arguments based solely on personal experience cannot be objectively verified:
"Some people, who have reached heights like Pascal, claimed that man cannot verify a theory that asserts that there is no God. This claim is made solely on personal experience. Self-suggestion in this regard is child's play." (source: link )

Thus, the demand for rigorous evidence and critical analysis is based on the understanding that the truthfulness of claims must be validated using objective criteria. If the arguments presented do not satisfy these criteria, they are regarded as illusory or erroneous, ultimately leading to their dismissal as examples of self-deception or self-suggestion.