New Atheism and its Intellectual Foundations: An Analytical Study of the Polemics of Harris, Dawkins, Dennett and Hitchens

Abstract

This article explores the ideas behind “New Atheism,” a movement that became well known in the early twenty first century. The study focuses on the main arguments and beliefs of the movement's four key figures, Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchens, known as the “Four Horsemen.” By examining their important works and personal backgrounds, the article shows their reliance on scientific naturalism, evolutionary biology and a direct criticism of religious beliefs, especially Islam. Furthermore, the study includes a critical analysis at how new this movement is, referencing scholars like John F. Haught and William E. Kaufman. The findings suggest that, although New Atheism has energized the discussion on secularism with unmatched intensity and media attention, its intellectual claims are mostly rehashed versions of traditional atheistic ideas rather than new philosophical insights.