Question: What's the Difference Between Strong and Weak Atheism?
Answer:
Atheism is commonly divided into two types: strong atheism and weak atheism. To call them different types is to imply on some level that they are separate — a person is either a strong atheist or a weak atheist. If we look more closely, however, we will note that almost all atheists are both on various levels.
The definition of weak atheism, lacking belief in the existence of any gods, is the basic definition of atheism itself.
What this means is that all atheists are weak atheists. The difference between weak and strong atheism is not that some people belong to one instead of the other, but rather that some people belong to one in addition to the other.
All atheists are weak atheists because all atheists, by definition, lack belief in the existence of gods. Some atheists, however, are also strong atheists because they take the extra step of denying the existence of at least some gods.
Technically, saying that "some" atheists do this isn't entirely accurate. Most, if not all, atheists are willing to deny the existence of some gods if asked — few only "lack belief" in the existence of Zeus or Apollo, for example. Thus, while all atheists are weak atheists, pretty much all atheists are also strong atheists with respect to at least some gods.
So is there any value at all in the terms? Yes — which label a person uses will tell you something about their general inclination when it comes to debates about gods. A person who chooses to use the label "weak atheist" may deny the existence of some gods, but as a general rule may not take the step of asserting the nonexistence some particular god.
Instead, they are more likely to wait for the theist to make their case and then examine whether that case is credible or not.
A person who chooses to use the label "strong atheist," on the other hand, may be a weak atheist by definition, but by adopting that label the person is in effect communicating a willingness and interest to take a much more proactive role in theological debates. They are more likely to assert right up front that a particular god does not or cannot exist and then make a case for that, even if the theist doesn't do much to defend the position of belief.
Answer:
Atheism is commonly divided into two types: strong atheism and weak atheism. To call them different types is to imply on some level that they are separate — a person is either a strong atheist or a weak atheist. If we look more closely, however, we will note that almost all atheists are both on various levels.
The definition of weak atheism, lacking belief in the existence of any gods, is the basic definition of atheism itself.
What this means is that all atheists are weak atheists. The difference between weak and strong atheism is not that some people belong to one instead of the other, but rather that some people belong to one in addition to the other.
All atheists are weak atheists because all atheists, by definition, lack belief in the existence of gods. Some atheists, however, are also strong atheists because they take the extra step of denying the existence of at least some gods.
Technically, saying that "some" atheists do this isn't entirely accurate. Most, if not all, atheists are willing to deny the existence of some gods if asked — few only "lack belief" in the existence of Zeus or Apollo, for example. Thus, while all atheists are weak atheists, pretty much all atheists are also strong atheists with respect to at least some gods.
So is there any value at all in the terms? Yes — which label a person uses will tell you something about their general inclination when it comes to debates about gods. A person who chooses to use the label "weak atheist" may deny the existence of some gods, but as a general rule may not take the step of asserting the nonexistence some particular god.
Instead, they are more likely to wait for the theist to make their case and then examine whether that case is credible or not.
A person who chooses to use the label "strong atheist," on the other hand, may be a weak atheist by definition, but by adopting that label the person is in effect communicating a willingness and interest to take a much more proactive role in theological debates. They are more likely to assert right up front that a particular god does not or cannot exist and then make a case for that, even if the theist doesn't do much to defend the position of belief.
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