I'm not very far in The God Delusion, but so far it's pretty enjoyable. But, it's reignited a debate I've been having withing myself, and I figure here's a good of a place as any to bring it to others.
The question is of specificity. Specifically, the word "atheist." I wonder if those who are actually atheists don't want a different word?
The word itself is centered around "theist," obviously, but it seems strange to me to be labeled so explicitly by what you are not. Would "humanist" not be better? It's the way I feel like I'm leaning, but I feel like my reasoning for it is less of a "not theist" position and more of a "pro people" ideal.
Words are what English majors think about.
Written on Thursday, January 3, 2008 by minott
Something I've Been Thinking About
Filed Under:
Atheism,
Humanism
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1 comments:
January 4, 2008 at 3:37 PM
there's a good speech by Sam Harris (Google: The Problem with Atheism by Sam Harris) in which he talks about that very thing and what it means. He argues that atheist shouldn't call themselves that because its like someone calling themselves a non-raciest. Basically arguing that not believing in God should be something that is understood and doesn't require a title.
Granted a lot of people didn't like his idea, but I think its got some merit to it.
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