Sharing an observation about atheism here on RF

[Desert Snake]

No worries. I wasn't meaning to quote from another thread here, but from some source they though useful.

Yep, got it.

 

[Kirran]

I mean the definition of scientific materialism you gave in post 203. It is a strawman.

I didn't use the term in that post.

But nevertheless, that is a description of the philosophy I am describing, call it as you will.

 

[Bunyip]

I didn't use the term in that post.

But nevertheless, that is a description of the philosophy I am describing, call it as you will.

Well whatever you want to call it - who is it you think holds it? Not me, we have established it is not atheism. It is not scientific materialism as I understand it. So whose philosophy are we discussing here?

Given this thread is on atheism, would you consider discussing it on another thread?

 

[Kirran]

Well whatever you want to call it - who is it you think holds it? Not me, we have established it is not atheism. It is not scientific materialism as I understand it. So whose philosophy are we discussing here?

Given this thread is on atheism, would you consider discussing it on another thread?

I'd say that this discussion is relevant, as it regards the pre-eminent atheistic philosophy of the West.

 

[Looncall]

Well it works, but that doesn't mean it is not a belief. I don't see how it can be experience.

It produces correct predictions. If it were bogus, the spacecraft would miss their destinations, for example. It makes sense to expect it to continue to work.

 

[Curious George]

I disagree. Many people incorrectly assume that atheism is a belief, when, in actuality, it is a lack of or reluctance to believe in God due to insufficient evidence.

Or many people try to say they"lack belief" when they actually do not for posturing reasons.

 

[Curious George]

Lawrence Kraus for example states openly that he does not believe that God does not exist because science is about taking the evidence as it comes. He says he can't prove the negative that God does not exist and, this, does not hold a belief either way. And he is definitely atheist.

Beliefs need not be proven to be beliefs.

 

[Bunyip]

Or many people try to say they"lack belief" when they actually do not for posturing reasons.

Why would posturing be necessary? Where does that come into it?

 

[Curious George]

Why would posturing be necessary? Where does that come into it?

I think the source is ego as far as I can tell.

 

[Bunyip]

I think the source is ego as far as I can tell.

Gee great argument mate, a kind of general insult aimed at all atheists.
Is that all?

 

[Curious George]

Gee great argument mate, a kind of general insult aimed at all atheists.
Is that all?

Not at all. it was not an argument nor an insult. It was however an answer to a question you asked. And do try to remember, I am an atheist.

 

[Bunyip]

Not at all. it was not an argument nor an insult. It was however an answer to a question you asked. And do try to remember, I am an atheist.

The what has ego got to do with it, or posturing? Atheism is just the default. If it is not just a generalised insult - why not at least explain your rationale?

 

[Curious George]

The what has ego got to do with it, or posturing? Atheism is just the default. If it is not just a generalised insult - why not at least explain your rationale?

One has to believe to reject. One has to reject to hold a commonly considered default position.

Therefore, to be in the default position of atheism one must believe. Denying that one believes something is only useful for posture not production. Focusing on posture to the detriment of industry seems to revolve around ego.

 

[Bunyip]

One has to believe to reject. One has to reject to hold a commonly considered default position.

Therefore, to be in the default position of atheism one must believe.

Believe what? Implicit atheists are still atheists.

Denying that one believes something is only useful for posture not production. Focusing on posture to the detriment of industry seems to revolve around ego.

What on earth are you talking about? What are 'they' denying? Who are you referring to?

 

[Curious George]

Implicit atheists are still atheists.

Lol, prove that.

 

[Bunyip]

Lol, prove that.

You want me to prove a usage? Are you ok George?

 

[Curious George]

You want me to prove a usage? Are you ok George?

No, just highlighting your belief. But usage even common usage is not proof.

If common beliefs made something true I would not be an atheist.

 

[Bunyip]

No, just highlighting your belief. But usage even common usage is not proof.

If common beliefs made something true I would not be an atheist.

What? What belief of mine are you highlighting? And of course a common usage is not a proof.

What are you trying to say?

 

[Curious George]

What? What belief of mine are you highlighting? And of course a common usage is not a proof.

What are you trying to say?

The belief that implicit atheists are still atheist of course.

I am most likely trying to say that which I have said. But if I have misspoke or you have misunderstood then I may be able to speak more clearly if I can understand where the breakdown was. To do this it would be helpful if you explain what you heard me say.

 

[Bunyip]

The belief that implicit atheists are still atheist of course.

That is not a belief George, it is just what the label means.

I am most likely trying to say that which I have said. But if I have misspoke or you have misunderstood then I may be able to speak more clearly if I can understand where the breakdown was. To do this it would be helpful if you explain what you heard me say.