Are Biologists Mostly Atheists?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the relationship between biology and religious beliefs among biologists, including whether a majority identify as atheists or hold religious views. Participants consider implications for other scientific fields and the intersection of faith and scientific understanding.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that many biologists on the forum are atheists, while others caution against generalizations based on personal experiences.
  • There is speculation about the religious beliefs of physicists, psychologists, and chemists, with some suggesting that biologists may have a higher proportion of atheists compared to these fields.
  • One participant asserts that biology is in direct conflict with major religions, while another argues that many biologists can be religious without their beliefs interfering with their scientific work.
  • Several participants reference surveys and studies indicating that a significant percentage of biologists identify as agnostic or atheist, though exact numbers are debated.
  • Some argue that belief in evolution and belief in a deity are not mutually exclusive, while others contend that acceptance of intelligent design is incompatible with being a biologist.
  • There are discussions about the nature of belief, with some suggesting that one can believe in a god without adhering to organized religion or specific doctrines.
  • Participants express differing views on the validity of intelligent design and its acceptance within the scientific community.
  • Some participants emphasize that religious beliefs should not contradict scientific understanding, while others express skepticism about the compatibility of faith and science.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the religious beliefs of biologists, with multiple competing views and ongoing debate about the relationship between science and religion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal beliefs and experiences, highlighting the complexity of the relationship between scientific inquiry and religious faith. There are references to surveys and studies, but specific details and methodologies are not provided.

  • #31
I think this thread is better to be in philosophy forum. I don't feel comfortable to continue this disscussion in biology part!
 
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  • #32
Intuitive said:
Anybody work out an equation for the existence of GOD yet?

yes, and it is 0 = 1. The equation only makes sense if you suspend all logic. Read it over and over, a thousand times, then make sure that you spend at least 1 hr every sunday morning convincing yourself that it's true - and then eventually it will be.
 
  • #33
Perhaps you might have the wrong equation? Try
1 = 1!
Garth
 
Last edited:
  • #34
Garth said:
Perhaps you might have the wrong equation? Try
1 = 1!
Garth

By this you mean a trivial and worthless (not to mention self-referencial) result? Yes, I guess so.
 
  • #35
Intuitive said:
Anybody work out an equation for the existence of GOD yet?
When asked in the Hebrew Bible who it was, god said, "just call me I Am". Thus, a possible equation for god would be [I Am = I Am]. Now in philosophy, this equation can be reduced to [A=A], which is called the Law of Identity. The Law of Identity is called an axiomatic concept in philosophy, it cannot be derived from thinking, it must just be accepted as a true starting point in further discussion as long as one wants to use "logical" rules for argument. Thus, we can say that god is the Law of Identity personified, and the equation for god is [A=A].
 
  • #36
Rade said:
When asked in the Hebrew Bible who it was, god said, "just call me I Am". Thus, a possible equation for god would be [I Am = I Am]. Now in philosophy, this equation can be reduced to [A=A], which is called the Law of Identity. The Law of Identity is called an axiomatic concept in philosophy, it cannot be derived from thinking, it must just be accepted as a true starting point in further discussion as long as one wants to use "logical" rules for argument. Thus, we can say that god is the Law of Identity personified, and the equation for god is [A=A].
Thank you.

Garth
 

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