Atheism - disbelief in God (the Judeo-Christian-Muslim deity) or any sort of supernatural god or gods - is a direct conclusion or corollary of naturalism. The articles in this section place atheism in the broader context of naturalism, suggesting that atheists might profitably expand their horizons beyond mere disbelief into a positive endorsement of a naturalistic worldview. Atheists strongly identifying as such, or those not in a market for a comprehensive worldview, will decline this invitation, which is fine. Naturalism isn't for everyone. But many atheists, skeptics and freethinkers when they encounter worldview naturalism, find it a congenial extension of their skepticism about the supernatural. Welcome!
Atheism
Articles in this Section
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An open letter to the atheist community.
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Why atheists and other varieties of naturalists shouldn't heap scorn on supernaturalists.
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The big worldview debate between naturalism and supernaturalism is gaining visibility.
Related Content from Other Sections
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Nice Talk on Naturalism,
Talk
This is a nice video of a 20 minute talk by naturalist David Simonton on Encountering Naturalism, given for the Seattle Atheist Church.
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The New Atheism,
Book Review
A deft and compelling defense of atheism, science, and reason.
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Too Good to Be True, Too Obscure to Explain: Cognitive Shortcomings of Belief in God,
Article
Disbelief in God is a corollary of the rationally defensible claim that nature is all there is, the basis for the worldview known as naturalism.
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Projecting God: The Psychology of Theological Justification,
Book Review
Theologian John F. Haught argues that science isn't our best and most reliable means of knowing ultimate reality; rather, there are other means involving subjective experience which put us directly in touch with God. But why should we trust such experience? Haught's says this trust is justified because God exists, but this presumes what needs to be proved. His brand of theological cognition violates some basic epistemic norms that should constrain any description of the world which aims for objectivity. His concept of God seems vague, contradictory, and is clearly driven by human psychological needs.
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Atheism: A Very Short Introduction,
Book Review
Philosopher Julian Baggini has written a necessarily brief but very useful and engaging book, Atheism: A Very Short Introduction.