Do Atheists Exist?

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This post is to move a discussion from Sandbox(4) at Entropy’s request.

Over on the Sandbox(4) thread, fifthmonarchyman made two statements that I disagree with:

“I’ve argued repeatedly that humans are hardwired to believe in God.”

“Everyone knows that God exists….”

As my handle indicates, I prefer to lurk.  The novelty of being told that I don’t exist overcame my good sense, so I joined the conversation.

For the record, I am what is called a weak atheist or negative atheist.  The Wikipedia page describes my position reasonably well:

“Negative atheism, also called weak atheism and soft atheism, is any type of atheism where a person does not believe in the existence of any deities but does not explicitly assert that there are none. Positive atheism, also called strong atheism and hard atheism, is the form of atheism that additionally asserts that no deities exist.”

I do exist, so fifthmonarchyman’s claims are disproved.  For some reason he doesn’t agree, hence this thread.

Added In Edit by Alan Fox 16.48 CET 11th January, 2018

This thread is designated as an extension of Noyau. This means only basic rules apply. The “good faith” rule, the “accusations of dishonesty” rule do not apply in this thread.

1,409 thoughts on “Do Atheists Exist?”

  2. fifthmonarchyman: I’m not asserting anything and your understanding of what is “the case” will most certainly be different than mine. We do after all have different worldviews

    That’s right, yours is just idiotic.

    I gave you a great definition and a huge number of examples that back it up from realistic usage, and you just come back with your whole stupid “worldviews” garbage.

    Glen Davidson

  3. fifthmonarchyman: I’m not asserting anything and your understanding of what is “the case” will most certainly be different than mine.

    Uh-oh. Now you’re not asserting anything either?

  4. GlenDavidson: I gave you a great definition and a huge number of examples that back it up from realistic usage, and you just come back with your whole stupid “worldviews” garbage.

    I don’t have anything whatsoever against your definition or your examples. By your definition I’m not making a claim.

    peace

  5. walto: Uh-oh. Now you’re not asserting anything either?

    what do you mean now?

    Here is what I said in the very first comment of this thread

    quote:
    Alurker——- Are you saying now that you do not assert that it is the case that “Everyone knows God exists.”?

    Fifthmonarchman——-I never thought of my self as much of an “asserter” in this regard
    More of a messenger

    end quote:

    That has been my position from day one.

    Are you telling me you never noticed until now?

    peace

  6. fifthmonarchyman,

    Double Uh-oh. I could swear you just said we wouldn’t hear this ‘I make no claims’ claim from you anymore. Whad you last–one minute?

    Ok, I’m officially done with this.

  7. walto: I could swear you just said we wouldn’t hear this ‘I make no claims’ claim from you anymore.

    If you define claim to be any statement whatsoever and stipulate that “claims” don’t require evidentiary support. Then I have no problem with you saying that I’m making a claim.

    I find it to be silly but whatever floats your boat

    walto: Ok, I’m officially done with this.

    Good, surely there is more interesting stuff to talk about here than whether “I have a tooth ache” is a claim or not.

    peace

  8. fifth,

    You can speak whatever language you prefer — it’s a free country, as you like to say — but the grownups here are speaking English.

  9. KN,

    Given the points I raise here, and given your view about denying beliefs to animals…

    I’m actually quite troubled at the idea that non-human animals don’t have beliefs or desires. That seems odd and maybe almost crazy.

    …what reason is there to stick with your definition of “belief” as “an attitude taken towards a proposition”?

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