What Makes an Atheist an Atheist?

[ppp]

How would you know whether or not you are the only extant being and the rest of us are figments of your imagination?

There is no way to demonstrate that you are real.. I am necessarily a soft solipsist where I acknowledge that it is impossible for me to prove they you are real. But I am not a hard solipsist where I claim that you do not exist. I accept that others are real because that is the world that is presented to me, and I have no practical alternative.

This does not seem responsive to my previous post, nor pertinent. What is the relevance of this question? Or are just sating your own curiosity?

 

[SalixIncendium]

There is no way to demonstrate that you are real.. I am necessarily a soft solipsist where I acknowledge that it is impossible for me to prove they you are real. But I am not a hard solipsist where I claim that you do not exist. I accept that others are real because that is the world that is presented to me, and I have no practical alternative.

This does not seem responsive to my previous post, nor pertinent. What is the relevance of this question? Or are just sating your own curiosity?

If it’s a choice between the two, it would be more the latter, but more so that I was expanding upon the idea you introduced.

Thank you entertaining my curiosity.

 

[ppp]

If it’s a choice between the two, it would be more the latter, but more so that I was expanding upon the idea you introduced.

Yeah, but you have already rejected the foundations of rational thought.

Thank you entertaining my curiosity.

Sure.

 

[SalixIncendium]

Yeah, but you have already rejected the foundations of rational thought.

For many the line is obscured between rejecting the foundations of rational thought and keeping an open mind.

 

[ppp]

For many the line is obscured between rejecting the foundations of rational thought and keeping an open mind.

Which is just the standard insinuation that anyone who does not accept your claims does not have an open mind. I have heard the same from people touting flat-earth, homeopathy and racial supremacy. The refrain from those who want to feel justified in their convictions, but are lacking in demonstrable evidence.

Do you even know what I am referring to? Or was that just a knee-jerk response?

 

[SalixIncendium]

Which is just the standard insinuation that anyone who does not accept your claims does not have an open mind. I have heard the same from people touting flat-earth, homeopathy and racial supremacy. The refrain from those who want to feel justified in their convictions, but are lacking in demonstrable evidence.

That would be an astute observation had I actually made any claims that I had any expectation of you to accept.

I don’t expect anyone here to accept what I suggest or claim. Either do or don’t. The choice is yours. I’m just here to share my thoughts and experiences. They’re not for everyone...quite obviously.

 

[ppp]

Which is just the standard insinuation that anyone who does not accept your claims does not have an open mind. I have heard the same from people touting flat-earth, homeopathy and racial supremacy. The refrain from those who want to feel justified in their convictions, but are lacking in demonstrable evidence.

That would be an astute observation had I actually made any claims that I had any expectation of you to accept.

What I said is the case, irrespective of your expectations. What you expect, or want, or desire has no bearing on whether what you say is logical, or demonstrable or true.

 

[SalixIncendium]

What I said is the case, irrespective of your expectations. What you expect, or want, or desire has no bearing on whether what you say is logical, or demonstrable or true.

And you opinion of what is logical, demonstrable, or true has no bearing on whether or not what I say actually is any or all of these.

 

[Hawkins]

Yes, I know an atheist is defined as one who has a lack of belief in any God.

But what is the test to be recognized as an atheist by others?

If an atheist behaves in such a manner that aligns with the morals Jesus' teaches even though they claim to be an atheist, shouldn't they be called a Christian?

According to Wikipedia, there are 500 million atheists in the world. How do we know whether someone who claims to be an atheist secretly believes there is likely a divine power, but claims to be an atheist strictly to avoid ridicule for believing as such?

If we were to weed out these fake atheists, would the 500 million number significantly change?

Deep inside the line can be drawn like this,
What theists believe is that testimony can lead to truth, the Bible account is a valid testimony. (only refers to Christianity)
What agnostics believe is that testimony may lead to truth but doubt about that Bible is a valid account.
What atheists believe is that testimony can't lead to truth, only evidence can lead to truth. They can be identified because they always ask for evidence.

 

[ppp]

And you opinion of what is logical, demonstrable, or true has no bearing on whether or not what I say actually is any or all of these.

According to you my opinions do have a bearing. According to you my opinions create reality. All I have to do is say that in my reality there is only one reality and that reality is my own. Your realty does not exist. Only mine. And that is the end of it. Anything you say that contradicts my reality is necessarily humbug.

 

[SalixIncendium]

According to you my opinions do have a bearing. According to you my opinions create reality. All I have to do is say that in my reality there is only one reality and that reality is my own. Your realty does not exist. Only mine. And that is the end of it. Anything you say that contradicts my reality is necessarily humbug.

By George, I think he’s got it!

 

[ppp]

By George, I think he’s got it!

You realize that you are basically agreeing that you are wrong.

 

[SalixIncendium]

You realize that you are basically agreeing that you are wrong.

I am wrong...

...in your perceived reality.​

 

[ppp]

I am wrong...

...in your perceived reality.​

Come back when you are done dragging the goalpost all over the place.

 

[Sunstone]

What makes an atheist? Well, as I recall, I was first made by Debbie. Then by Tina. After that by Patty. Patty was followed by Belinda. Then came Cathy, and did she ever make me! No, wait. Terri came before Cathy. Yeah, that's right. How could I ever forget the night I had a religious experience when I first saw Terri's breasts by moonlight? Sheesh, my mind is going, I tell you! Well, where were we? After Terri and Cathy made me, there was the University of Illinois cheer leading squad. And then... somewhere in there I became an atheist.