Posting this because I think it’s an interesting examination of the overlap (or lack thereof) between atheists and general skeptics. It’s worth remembering that the term ‘atheism’ only means a rejection of theistic beliefs; non-theistic beliefs that are nonetheless irrational and unsupported by evidence are not relevant to the term. And yet one can easily see why there is an overlap between these two communities and why many atheists scoff at other atheists who profess belief in things like astrology, ghosts, reincarnation, etc.

I’m definitely one of those who doesn’t believe in anything supernatural, but I’ve certainly met atheists who do. It’s worth remembering the two groups aren’t synonymous.

  • @primbin
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    11 year ago

    The fact that it’s a binary decision doesn’t mean that there’s necessarily a default fallback answer. If there’s not enough evidence to conclude either opinion, then there’s just not enough evidence.

    You’re free to believe in a lack of free will, of course, but as far as I’m aware, it’s not a substantially more well-founded belief than a belief in a lack of free will. I guess I just don’t see a reason for having such a militant attitude about it.