Evaluate Atheism as a Philosophical Perspective

Only available on StudyMode
  • Download(s) : 74
  • Published : May 26, 2013
Open Document
Text Preview
Evaluate Atheism as a philosophical perspective

Atheism, meaning 'a belief without God' is a belief that is becoming increasingly popular in the Western society. Essentially, some atheists claim to be anti-religion and reject religious dogmas; however, I should first establish that there are two different types of atheists. The first is known as positive atheism where the individual not only refute the arguments for the existence of God but also goes a step further to develop arguments. The second type also known as negative atheism does not consider the existence of god and does not feel that the arguments for the existence of God are not sufficient enough to spark a belief. For the purpose of this essay, I will mostly argue from and against a positive atheist’s perspective that not only consciously refuses to believe in a God but also chooses to develop arguments. A philosophical consideration that can be raised from the question is if Atheism has the belief that there is no God then surely it can still be classed as a religion?

My definition of religion is an indoctrinated absolute belief which is accepted and followed by a large population of people. Under this definition, a religion does not need to have a theist or supernatural being as its foundation but rather a meta-narrative. The meta-narrative of Christianity is to worship God in hope for a better life in heaven. Their religious dogmas such as the bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) attempts to instruct and guide its followers on how to worship God. In the Christian faith, it is absolute that God exists. Buddhism is based on the Meta-narrative to attain enlightenment and their religious dogmas guides its follows on how to achieve this. In the Buddhist faith, it is absolute that Enlightenment can be reached. Inhertho, atheism follows the meta-narrative that there is no god(s) or God and so follows the dogma on rejecting religious dogmas. It is then absolute that there is God in...
tracking img