Atheism and Agnosticism - AO1

What is atheism?

Atheism is the rejection of belief in deities, or the belief that there is no God.

What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism?

Atheism claims that God does not exist, whereas agnosticism argues that it is unknown or unknowable whether God exists due to insufficient evidence.

What is weak agnosticism?

Weak agnosticism holds that we currently do not know whether God exists, but it may be possible to find out in the future.

What is strong agnosticism?

Strong agnosticism argues that it is impossible to ever know whether God exists.

What is meant by ‘New Atheism’?

New Atheism is a late 20th / early 21st century movement that is actively hostile to religion, viewing belief in God as harmful, irrational, and dangerous to humanity. It is sometimes called antitheism.

Why is New Atheism described as ‘antitheism’?

Because it does not merely reject belief in God, but aggressively opposes religion and seeks to challenge and dismantle religious belief in society.

According to New Atheists, how does religion encourage non-thinking?

New Atheists argue that religion discourages critical thinking by promoting faith over evidence and encouraging acceptance of doctrines without rational justification.

How does New Atheism claim religion impedes scientific progress?

New Atheists argue that religion rejects scientific explanations in favour of myths and has historically opposed scientific developments, slowing human progress.

How does Freud support atheistic arguments against religion?

Freud argues that religion is an illusion created by the unconscious mind as wish fulfilment, meaning belief in God is psychological rather than based on reality. This supports atheism by undermining God’s objective existence.

How does Dawkins support atheistic critiques of religion?

Dawkins agrees with Freud, arguing that religion offers myths instead of facts and has prevented the development of science by rejecting empirical explanations.

What religious response rejects New Atheist claims about science and religion?

Religious groups argue that science and religion are compatible, claiming science explains how the universe works, while religion explains why it exists.

How has fundamentalism increased in response to New Atheism?

Some religious groups have responded by strengthening moral and community-focused fundamentalist beliefs, reacting against what they see as moral decline promoted by atheism.

How have religious apologists responded to New Atheism?

There has been an increase in religious apologists using media and public debate to defend religious belief against atheistic criticism. There are schools with fundamentalist curriculums in America.