(October 12, 2013 at 10:29 am)freedomfromfallacy Wrote:(October 12, 2013 at 10:09 am)PaulHades Wrote: Agnosticism is atheism.
No. Atheism is the rejection of theistic claims. Agnosticism is lacking knowledge on a particular matter. For example; I'm agnostic when it comes to brain surgery (meaning I lack knowledge concerning brain surgery). Conversely, I am gnostic with respect to psychology (meaning I possess much knowledge on the subject). Theists make a claim that a god exists. Atheists simply reject that claim. I am an agnostic atheist; meaning, that I lack knowledge concerning the actual existence of a god (as do theists though they'll claim personal knowledge which cannot be verify), and that I reject the claim that a god exists (since no evidence for said god exists, nor can it be produced).
to the newcomers.
The definition of agnosticism is: a person who believes that nothing is known or can be known of the existence or nature of God or of anything beyond material phenomena.
To me, atheism says the same thing; not negating the possibilities of course, but realizing one cannot disprove or prove god exists. Simply stating that there is no empirical evidence to support the notion of a god; thus concluding there is no god. The two seemingly go hand-in-hand to me.
I would, however, go a step further & refer to myself as an anti-theist. Even if it were true (i.e. god(s) existing); I would still abhor the idea & refuse to bow in acquiescence & live as an abject slave.
Thank you for the welcome, too!
“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe. If you try it, you will be lonely often, and sometimes frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself.”
― Friedrich Nietzsche
― Friedrich Nietzsche
