Agnostic atheism , also known as atheistic agnosticism , embraces atheism and agnosticism . Agnostic atheists do not believe in the existence of any deity, but do not claim to know that the deity does not exist. Agnostic atheists can be contrasted with agnostic theists who believe that one or more deities exist, but do not claim to know this.
People who consider themselves agnostic atheists can justify their position by referring to Occam's epistemology or razor .
Examples
Bertrand Russell uses the sky teapot as an example. He argued that although it is impossible to know that the kettle does not exist, most people do not believe in it.
The famous atheist biologist Richard Dawkins likewise stated:
I am an agnostic to the same extent as I am an agnostic in the question of the existence of fairies in a corner of a garden.
Original textI am an agnostic only to the extent that I am agnostic about fairies at the bottom of the garden.
See also
- Agnosticism
- Agnostic theism
Literature
- Martin, Michael. Theism. MSN Encarta, 2000. Microsoft Corporation.
- Martin, Michael. Atheism: A Philosophical Justification. Philadelphia: Temple UP, 1992. ISBN 0-87722-943-0
- Smith, George H. Atheism: The Case Against God. 1st ed. Amherst: Prometheus Books, 1980. ISBN 0-87975-124-X
- Stein, Gordon. The Encyclopedia of Unbelief. Amherst: Prometheus Books, 1985. ISBN 0-87975-307-2