Atheism: Difference between revisions
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Larry_Sanger (talk) Atheism in its central sense, for philosophers, is the belief that God doesn't exist; if you deny this, you haven't read much philosophy. |
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The term '''atheism''' is derived from the Greek prefix ''a'' (meaning "without" or "not") and the Greek ''theos'' meaning [[god]], giving the literal definition of atheism as someone who is without a god |
The term '''atheism''' is derived from the Greek prefix ''a'' (meaning "without" or "not") and the Greek ''theos'' meaning [[god]], giving the literal definition of atheism as someone who is without a god. There are various ways of using the term. Philosophers generally use the word to mean the view that God does not exist; self-described atheists among the general population, however, sometime extend the use to include the mere lack of belief that God does exist, or an absence of [[supernaturalism]]. |
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As understood within the philosophical tradition, "atheism" is contrasted with both [[theism]] (the belief that one or more gods exist) and with [[agnosticism]] (the belief that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not God exists). Atheists, agnostics, and [[logical positivism|positivists]] (who believe that "God"-talk is nonsense) can generally be described as ''nonbelievers''. It is estimated that about 14% of the world's population classify themselves as nonbelievers; this percentage is generally higher in European and (formerly) communist countries, and lower in the [[United States]] and developing countries. |
As understood within the philosophical tradition, "atheism" means belief that God does not exist, and thus the view is contrasted with both [[theism]] (the belief that one or more gods exist) and with [[agnosticism]] (the belief that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not God exists). Atheists, agnostics, and [[logical positivism|positivists]] (who believe that "God"-talk is nonsense) can generally be described as ''nonbelievers''. It is estimated that about 14% of the world's population classify themselves as nonbelievers; this percentage is generally higher in European and (formerly) communist countries, and lower in the [[United States]] and developing countries. |
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Revision as of 02:50, 18 January 2002
The term atheism is derived from the Greek prefix a (meaning "without" or "not") and the Greek theos meaning god, giving the literal definition of atheism as someone who is without a god. There are various ways of using the term. Philosophers generally use the word to mean the view that God does not exist; self-described atheists among the general population, however, sometime extend the use to include the mere lack of belief that God does exist, or an absence of supernaturalism.
As understood within the philosophical tradition, "atheism" means belief that God does not exist, and thus the view is contrasted with both theism (the belief that one or more gods exist) and with agnosticism (the belief that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not God exists). Atheists, agnostics, and positivists (who believe that "God"-talk is nonsense) can generally be described as nonbelievers. It is estimated that about 14% of the world's population classify themselves as nonbelievers; this percentage is generally higher in European and (formerly) communist countries, and lower in the United States and developing countries.
The above broad definition of atheism does not distinguish between positive and negative atheism, which is commonly drawn within the freethinking tradition (as distinguished from the philosophical tradition).
- "Positive atheism" (sometimes called strong atheism) is the positive assertion (or belief) that God (or some gods, or all gods) does not exist--that is, a positive atheist may assert that the Judeo-Christian God does not exist, or that all gods do not exist.
- "Negative atheism" (sometimes called weak atheism) is the lack of a god-belief or someone who is not a theist, a position which is only slightly different from agnosticism. "Negative atheist" is synonymous, or nearly so, with "nonbeliever."
Furthermore, an atheist can be both a positive atheist with respect to the Judeo-Christian God and a negative atheist with respect to any other gods.
Arguments for atheism
- The problem of evil -- This argument states that the existence of evil proves the nonexistence of a good God. This argument is commonly used in reference to the Judeo-Christian God.
See the rationality of atheism for further discussion.
Atheism as a popular movement
Atheism is generally misunderstood in many societies and those who openly express their non-theistic points-of-view are often mistreated, ostracized and the subjects of discrimination (as is often the case for adherents to minority points-of-view in many parts of the world). Like their religious counterparts, many atheists align themselves with organizations that express or support a non-theistic worldview.
Atheism throughout history
Please feel free to contribute to the history of atheism, or any other part of this entry.
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See also: secularism, philosophy of religion, the rationality of atheism, listing of noted atheists, agnosticism, naturalism, theism, deism
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