Theism, Atheism, and Agnosticism

Flashcards about Theism, Atheism, and Agnosticism

Theism

Metaphysical theory affirming God's existence and knowability, through faith (fideism), reason (rational theology), or both (revealed theology).

Atheism

Denial of God's existence, emerging clearly in Western philosophy in the 19th century, with some 18th-century Enlightenment antecedents.

Agnosticism

The belief that it is impossible to know whether God exists or not.

Theism (as explained by Thomas Aquinas)

The doctrine asserting God's existence and knowability through faith, reason, or both, with Thomas Aquinas as a key proponent.

Atheism

Doctrine denying God's existence, which gained prominence in the 19th century, following Enlightenment deism, which posited a detached creator.

L. Feuerbach's Thesis on Alienation

Feuerbach's concept that humans created God, not vice versa, influencing 19th-century atheistic thinkers.

Atheism of Marx

Marx viewed religion as a tool of the ruling class, maintaining societal oppression, famously calling it "the opium of the people."

Vitalism of Nietzsche

Nietzsche centered on life affirmation, criticizing Christianity's life-denying values and proclaiming "the Death of God" for individual value creation and the Übermensch.

Atheism of the 20th Century (J.P. Sartre)

Sartre saw atheism as fundamental, asserting that God's non-existence implies human freedom, responsibility, and a lack of intrinsic values.

Agnosticism

The view that the existence or nature of God is unknowable. Philosophers like Russell and Galván argue it aligns with scientific progress and a world-focused existence.

Agnosticism of B. Russell

Russell advocated for science and moral education, criticizing Christianity's lack of contribution; he rejected God's existence due to the absence of logical or scientific proof.

Agnosticism of E. Tierno Galván

Tierno Galván defines it as living fully in the world without longing for God, embracing finitude and detaching from religious needs.