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| The term ''' |
The term '''atheism''' is derived from the Greek prefix ''a'' (meaning "without" or "not") and the Greek ''theos'' meaning ], giving the literal definition of atheism as someone who is without God, or someone who is not a ]. In common use, it means the belief that no God exists. Most ] and ] use this term in regards to the belief that the ] God (as described in the ]) does not exist. | ||
| ⚫ | As understood within the philosophical tradition, "atheism" is contrasted with both ] (the belief that God does exist) and with ] (the belief that it is impossible to know for sure whether or not God exists). Atheists, agnostics, and ] (who believe that "God"-talk is nonsense) can generally be described as ''nonbelievers.'' | ||
| This broad definition does not distinguish between Strong and Weak atheism, which is needed for a complete understanding of the term. | |||
| The above broad definition of atheism does not distinguish between strong and weak atheism, which is commonly drawn within the ] tradition (as distinguished from the philosophical tradition) | |||
| ⚫ | "]" is the positive assertion (or belief) that a God (or some gods, or all gods) does not exist |
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| ⚫ | "]" is the positive assertion (or belief) that a God (or some gods, or all gods) does not exist--i.e., a positive atheist may assert that the Judeo-Christian God does not exist, or that ''all'' Gods do not exist. | ||
| ⚫ | "]" is used to describe someone who does not have a God-belief or someone who is not a theist, a position which is only slightly different from ]. | ||
| ⚫ | "]" is used to describe someone who does not have a God-belief or someone who is not a theist, a position which is only slightly different from ]. | ||
| ⚫ | Furthermore, an atheist can be both a |
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| ⚫ | 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. | ||
| ⚫ | |||
| <h3>Arguments for atheism</h3> | <h3>Arguments for atheism</h3> | ||
Revision as of 23:57, 13 December 2001
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 God, or someone who is not a theist. In common use, it means the belief that no God exists. Most Christians and Jews use this term in regards to the belief that the Judeo-Christian God (as described in the Bible) does not exist.
As understood within the philosophical tradition, "atheism" is contrasted with both theism (the belief that God does 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.
The above broad definition of atheism does not distinguish between strong and weak atheism, which is commonly drawn within the freethinking tradition (as distinguished from the philosophical tradition)
"Positive atheism" is the positive assertion (or belief) that a God (or some gods, or all gods) does not exist--i.e., a positive atheist may assert that the Judeo-Christian God does not exist, or that all Gods do not exist.
"Negative atheism" is used to describe someone who does not have a God-belief or someone who is not a theist, a position which is only slightly different from Agnosticism.
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 nonexistance of a good God. This argument is commonly used in reference to the Judeo-Christian God.
- Occam's Razor
- The freewill argument for the nonexistence of God
- Atheistic cosmological argument
- Argument from nonbelief
- Incompatible-properties arguments
- Argument from evolution]
- Argument from pain and pleasure
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.
--- See also: secularism, philosophy of religion, the rationality of atheism, listing of noted atheists, agnosticism, naturalism, theism, deism
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