(August 15, 2015 at 2:02 pm)Mr.wizard Wrote:(August 15, 2015 at 11:40 am)Pyrrho Wrote: robvalue can answer for himself, but the distinguishing characteristic of ignosticism is the idea that the term "god" is meaningless. Therefore, saying "god exists" is like saying "sdfadsafdjsl exits." In other words, it is not really saying anything.
A standard agnostic is someone who does not say that the term "god" is meaningless, but says that he or she does not know whether god exists or not. The ignostic says that the question of "god's" existence is meaningless and therefore nothing is being asked when one utters, "does god exist?"
To give more details, to the question "Does god exist?"
Theist: Yes.
Agnostic: I don't know.
Weak atheist: I do not believe god exists (and do not believe god does not exist). (The weak atheist simply does not believe the statement "god exists" and does not affirm that god does not exist.)
Strong atheist: No.
Ignostic: Your question is meaningless.
As you can see from the link to ignosticism, there is some dispute over whether ignosticism is compatible with agnosticism or some form of atheism. Also, an ignostic may simply say he or she is an atheist when asked such things, to avoid having to explain his or her position and to give a simple answer that gives at least an approximation of their position (that is, it is more akin to atheism than theism).
Bold Mine:
This is where I was getting confused because it seems like a person could be both.
I'm sorta both.
I identify as Agnostic because I am willing to use the term "god" very loosely,
because it has a colloquial definition, if nothing else.
However, if pressed, I will readily agree with Ignostics that the definition is technically non-existent.
