Atheism: Difference between revisions
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'''Atheism''' is, at its simplest, the lack of belief in any form of [[Religion|gods or divinity]]. [[Marxism|Marxist]] [[dialectical materialism]] is inherently atheistic and puts the [[Materialism|material world]] in a primary position. Various [[Socialist state|socialist states]] have sought to encourage scientific atheism in their society through policies such as [[state atheism]]. | '''Atheism''' is, at its simplest, the lack of belief in any form of [[Religion|gods or divinity]]. [[Marxism|Marxist]] [[dialectical materialism]] is inherently atheistic and puts the [[Materialism|material world]] in a primary position. Various [[Socialist state|socialist states]] have sought to encourage scientific atheism in their society through policies such as [[state atheism]]. | ||
==Etymology== | ==Etymology== | ||
The English word atheism comes directly from the Middle French word ''athéisme'', a loan from Ancient Greek ''ἄθεος''. This Ancient Greek term translates to "without god". The first attestation of the term "atheism" dates back to 1587 CE.<ref>[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheism "atheism"], English etymology. ''Wiktionary''.</ref> | The English word atheism comes directly from the Middle French word ''athéisme'', a loan from Ancient Greek ''ἄθεος''. This Ancient Greek term translates to "without god". The first English attestation of the term "atheism" dates back to 1587 CE.<ref>[https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/atheism "atheism"], English etymology. ''Wiktionary''.</ref> | ||
==Classification== | |||
* '''Gnostic atheism:''' asserts with definite certainty that no gods can and do exist<ref>[https://unbelievableatheist.com/gnostic-atheist/ "The Philosophical Position of a Gnostic Atheist"]. ''Unbelievable Atheist''. Retrieved September 15, 2025.</ref> | |||
* '''Agnostic atheism:''' lacks a belief in gods, but does not assert with certainty that they do not exist | |||
* '''Implicit atheism:''' the absence of theistic belief without a conscious rejection of it | |||
==Forms== | ==Forms== | ||
===Bourgeois vs. socialist atheism=== | ===Bourgeois vs. socialist atheism=== | ||
Latest revision as of 23:47, 15 September 2025
Atheism is, at its simplest, the lack of belief in any form of gods or divinity. Marxist dialectical materialism is inherently atheistic and puts the material world in a primary position. Various socialist states have sought to encourage scientific atheism in their society through policies such as state atheism.
Etymology
The English word atheism comes directly from the Middle French word athéisme, a loan from Ancient Greek ἄθεος. This Ancient Greek term translates to "without god". The first English attestation of the term "atheism" dates back to 1587 CE.[1]
Classification
- Gnostic atheism: asserts with definite certainty that no gods can and do exist[2]
- Agnostic atheism: lacks a belief in gods, but does not assert with certainty that they do not exist
- Implicit atheism: the absence of theistic belief without a conscious rejection of it
Forms
Bourgeois vs. socialist atheism
The atheism of Marxism diverges from that of liberal and other capitalist outlooks in that it does not merely criticize atheism in an abstract, idealist sense which often results in blaming religions on individual workers, but actively seeks to understand the material foundation of religion to begin with so as to better address the needs of the people.[3]
See also
References
- ↑ "atheism", English etymology. Wiktionary.
- ↑ "The Philosophical Position of a Gnostic Atheist". Unbelievable Atheist. Retrieved September 15, 2025.
- ↑ Vladimir Lenin (1909). The Attitude of the Workers' Party to Religion.