Atheism's Definition - Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy

[Whateverist]

So when Vinny uses the word "atheist" and specifies that it is the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy whose definition he has in mind .. what are we supposed to do with that exactly?

English is much broader than its use in any particular field, including philosophy. Since where we all meet is the called the atheistforums and not the philosophyforums, the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy is not authoritative here. Vinny is entitled to keep making the request that we all adhere to that definition. We are entitled to keep telling him to get stuffed.

Since when is "atheism" first and foremost about its use in the field of philosophy? Much as the Vinmeister would have it otherwise, philosophy has no official role to play in policing the usage of English in the broader arena. Its definitions and conventions are for those who are part of that club. Vinny, if you can't communicate an argument that will stand on its own merits here in the broader world, I recommend you return to the club. Oh, and fuck you.

Seriously? You sound pretty ignorant.

Oh dear god. What did I do to lose the stupid man's respect. Woe is me.

If there's any field that can correctly determine what atheism is and how it should be defined, it's philosophy.

And there is the rub. No field can, no field needs to and no field is entitled to determine what atheism is or should be. You might be more comfortable speaking French. They're big on officialdom over there with committees to decide all manner of usage questions. Of course their language is falling out of favor globally but while it lasts you might be happier under such a system.

Philosophy is the undisputed authority when it comes to properly defining what atheism is, ..

At least according to your own select committee of one. You just keep over estimating the amount of fuck anyone around here gives regarding the decisions of your committee.

.. because popular definitions that evolve out of a horde of internet using 15 year old boys and 45 year old men on welfare checks can be self-contradictory, incoherent and factually incorrect

So which are you again, Vin? Snot nosed young apologist or middle aged variety. Wait. I don't really care.