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Atheism/Def. of atheism
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Question
An atheist that atheism "is not an ideology, simply a group of people who lack a belief in god(s) who have arrived to this conclusion using reason, logic, and science. Other than god(s), atheists are free to believe in ghosts, Atlantis, psyhic powers," [etc.].
Do you agree?
It's mostly correct. Atheism is not an ideology and is just the lack of belief in gods. Outside of gods, atheists may believe in psychics, ghosts, etc.
However, there is nothing about atheism which requires that one arrive at it via reason, logic, and science. That's fairly common among atheists in the West, but the truth is a person can be an atheist for illogical reasons - or because they were never taught to be a theist and have simply always been atheists. If a person is never exposed to a god-concept, they'll be atheists because that's all they know.
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Good response, but it wasn't a difficult question | ||
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Answers by Expert:
Austin Cline
Expertise
I can address questions regarding atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, humanism, religious philosophy & history, and arguments both for and against theism. I am also familiar with many of the skeptical and atheist resources in print and on the internet.
Experience
I have been an atheist and a secular humanist for many years. I actively run a site about agnosticism & atheism and attempt to help people understand more about these topics. I have made extensive study of both philosophy and of a wide vareity of religions.
Organizations
I belong to the Freedom From Religion Foundation and the Council for Secular Humanism.
Publications
My writings appear every week on the Agnosticism/Atheism site
Education/Credentials
I have a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA from Princeton University. I have also studied in Germany and Switzerland.
Awards and Honors
Phi Beta Kappa and a Fulbright Scholar.
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