FlashFlowRPE - Atheism
Atheism set
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What is atheism?
The lack of belief in any god or gods
What is an atheist?
A person who does not believe in gods
What is theism?
Belief in one or more gods
What is agnosticism?
The view that it is unknown or unknowable whether God exists
What is the difference between atheism and agnosticism?
Atheism concerns belief
What is a strong atheist?
Someone who believes that no gods exist
What is a weak atheist?
Someone who simply lacks belief in gods
Do all atheists believe exactly the same things?
No
Why might someone be an atheist?
They may not find evidence for gods convincing
What is evidence?
Information or reasons used to support a belief or conclusio…
What is reason?
Using logic and thinking to reach conclusions
What is science?
A method for investigating the natural world using evidence …
Why might some atheists value science?
Science uses evidence and testable explanations
Does science prove that God does not exist?
No
What is secularism?
The separation of religious institutions from government
What is humanism?
A worldview focusing on human wellbeing
What is secular humanism?
Humanism without relying on religious belief
What is an ethical decision?
A decision about what is right or wrong
Can atheists be moral?
Yes
Where might atheists get moral ideas from?
Reason
What is empathy?
Understanding or sharing another person's feelings
What is utilitarianism?
An ethical theory focused on producing the greatest overall …
What is consequentialism?
The view that the consequences of actions help determine whe…
What is deontology?
An ethical approach based on duties or rules
What is virtue ethics?
An ethical approach focusing on developing good character
Can atheists believe in human rights?
Yes
What are human rights?
Basic rights and freedoms belonging to all people
What is the problem of evil?
The question of how evil and suffering can exist if an all-l…
Why might the problem of evil lead someone to atheism?
They may see suffering as evidence against belief in an all-…
What is the argument from evil?
An argument that suffering creates a challenge for belief in…
What is the cosmological argument?
An argument that the existence of the universe requires an u…
What might an atheist argue against the cosmological argument?
They may question whether the universe needs a personal crea…
What is the design argument?
The argument that order or complexity in the universe sugges…
What might an atheist argue against the design argument?
Natural processes can explain some apparent complexity and o…
What is the teleological argument?
Another name for the argument from design
What is the First Cause argument?
The idea that everything caused must ultimately lead back to…
What is the ontological argument?
An argument attempting to prove God's existence using the co…
What is religious experience?
A personal experience interpreted as an encounter with God o…
Why might atheists question religious experiences?
They may have psychological or natural explanations
What is the free will defence?
The idea that God allows free choices even though people can…
How might atheists respond to the free will defence?
They may question why an all-powerful God allows extreme suf…
What is natural evil?
Suffering caused by natural events such as earthquakes or di…
What is moral evil?
Suffering caused by human actions
What is the burden of proof?
The idea that the person making a claim should provide evide…
How might the burden of proof relate to atheism?
An atheist may argue that the person claiming God exists sho…
What is Russell's teapot?
Bertrand Russell's example illustrating that lack of disproo…
Who was Bertrand Russell?
A philosopher who wrote about atheism
What is Occam's Razor?
The principle that the simplest sufficient explanation is ge…
How might Occam's Razor be used in arguments about God?
Some atheists argue that God is an unnecessary extra explana…
Can atheists celebrate religious festivals?
Yes
Can atheists have religious parents?
Yes
Can atheists respect religious beliefs?
Yes
Is atheism a religion?
Generally