Rationalism vs Atheism: Niels Bohr's Perspective

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In summary, Niels said that logic is important when discussing the arguments for atheism or theism, but that the discussion has been abandoned by the person who started it. He also said that an agnostic would take the atheistic stance if presented with the issue of whether or not a deity exists.
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  • #2
Neils,
On the subject of logic, you might be interested in Tom's more in-depth study of it, in the thread called "Logic". As to the arguments toward atheism or theism, I think PF has abandoned discussion of such things. To believe in some form of theism, or to remain neutral (atheism) is a personal choice, and needn't be based on logic; it can be based on faith.
 
  • #3
Hmm. I think you mean agnosticism. Atheism is not neutral. I would argue that all three views can be based either on faith or logic. In other words the personal choice is how to apply faith and logic.

I suspect that there are as many atheists who depend on faith as there are theists who do.
 
  • #4
Originally posted by Canute
Hmm. I think you mean agnosticism.

Actually, "agnosticism" comes from the Greek word "gnosis" (which means "knowledge") along with the disclaimer "a". Ergo, the putting of the word "a" before the word "gnosis" indicates a lack of any certain knowledge. An agnostic doesn't believe anything.

Atheism is not neutral.

Actually, it is. If theism is the belief in a deity, then "anti-theism" would be the belief that there certainly is no such deity, and "atheism" (again with the disclaimer "a" before the Greek word "Theos" (which means "God")) is simply the lack of the definite belief in a creator. IOW, they don't take for granted that the deity exists, but don't take for granted that it doesn't exist either, since that would be "anti-theism".

I would argue that all three views can be based either on faith or logic. In other words the personal choice is how to apply faith and logic.

I suspect that there are as many atheists who depend on faith as there are theists who do.

There are many anti-theists that depend on faith, and even more that depend on credulity (there is a difference, btw), and the same is true of theists. Atheists, OTOH, have faith in only one thing: that they haven't made up their minds on this issue yet.

I'd also like to add that, from all that's been said in this post, it can be deduced that an agnostic, if presented with the issue of whether there is a deity or not, would take the atheistic stance, would s/he not?
 
  • #5
We must have different dictionaries. The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy gives:

Atheism: The view that there is no divine being, no God.

Agnosticism: a theory according to which things within a specified realm are unknowable. Especially the view that we cannot know whether or not God exists.
 
  • #6
Originally posted by Mentat
Actually, "agnosticism" comes from the Greek word "gnosis" (which means "knowledge") along with the disclaimer "a". Ergo, the putting of the word "a" before the word "gnosis" indicates a lack of any certain knowledge. An agnostic doesn't believe anything.



Actually, it is. If theism is the belief in a deity, then "anti-theism" would be the belief that there certainly is no such deity, and "atheism" (again with the disclaimer "a" before the Greek word "Theos" (which means "God")) is simply the lack of the definite belief in a creator. IOW, they don't take for granted that the deity exists, but don't take for granted that it doesn't exist either, since that would be "anti-theism".



There are many anti-theists that depend on faith, and even more that depend on credulity (there is a difference, btw), and the same is true of theists. Atheists, OTOH, have faith in only one thing: that they haven't made up their minds on this issue yet.

I'd also like to add that, from all that's been said in this post, it can be deduced that an agnostic, if presented with the issue of whether there is a deity or not, would take the atheistic stance, would s/he not?

Your etymological breakdown of atheism is indeed correct; however, most people associate atheism with anti-theism Canute has pointed out. It's this reason that I choose not to apply social or political labels to myself, because outside of a discussion on the relative merits it serves only to ostracize.
 
  • #7
Interesting.........


Neils,
On the subject of logic, you might be interested in Tom's more in-depth study of it, in the thread called "Logic". As to the arguments toward atheism or theism, I think PF has abandoned discussion of such things. To believe in some form of theism, or to remain neutral (atheism) is a personal choice, and needn't be based on logic; it can be based on faith.
Ok, if a persons belief system can be an issue of faith, then why aim to pursue wisdom? What is wisdom? What is a fact? And why are facts more important than arbitrarily believing in whatever you please? Why not have faith that the Earth sits on a turtle? Surely, faith can not be criticised?
 
  • #8
Semantics


I'd also like to add that, from all that's been said in this post, it can be deduced that an agnostic, if presented with the issue of whether there is a deity or not, would take the atheistic stance, would s/he not?


This depends on how you define, the slight differences between theism, atheism, and agnosticism.

By default, if one can not say, "I believe in GOD," they are an Atheist, for at the core of the terms meaning, it means "without belief" in a "Deity." In this sense then, an Agnostic is an Atheist, because he does not have "an actual belief" with regards to the concept of a Deity. In this sense, yes, Agnosticism is another way of saying, "I don't believe in flying purple pigs."

There is another side however to the term. The term Agnosticism is not really a stance, in the same way "an opinion" is a stance. To be agnostic in the true sense only means to acknowledge the fact that "one is ignorant of" a certain issue, mainly, with whether or not it is that case that within the vastness of the Universe, there is a phenomenon that justifiably deserves the name of "GOD." From this perspective, the term is not a stance in the same way a statement like "I believe in Aliens" is.

To say, "i do not know," is not the same as, "i do not believe." People need to buy a dictionary, and learn words. There is nothing grammatically in correct in saying something like, "I am an agnostic Christian." Ones opinions about something, is not the same as ones knowledge about something. Hence, one can have as an opinion the view that 'Jesus Christ was the actual Savior of Humanity sent by GOD to rescue the dimwits from the Power of Lucifer.' Having this as a belief does not logically invalidate ones right to admit that such a view as a view is what it is, and not necessarily as anything more than that.

Too many people confuse an opinion with a piece of fact. Knowledge are facts. Beliefs are opinions. Look up the terms in any standard English dictionary.
 
  • #9
Originally posted by Canute
We must have different dictionaries. The Penguin Dictionary of Philosophy gives:

Atheism: The view that there is no divine being, no God.

Agnosticism: a theory according to which things within a specified realm are unknowable. Especially the view that we cannot know whether or not God exists.

But is that the only definition associated to atheism, by Penguin?

Most dictionaries will list that as one of it's meanings, given that it's a common usage. Most also list 'A disbelief in god or gods.' with disbelief meaning 'not having or holding a specific belief' or 'refusal or reluctance to believe'. Both definitions of disbelief say nothing about holding the opposite belief.
 
  • #10
Originally posted by radagast
But is that the only definition associated to atheism, by Penguin?

Most dictionaries will list that as one of it's meanings, given that it's a common usage. Most also list 'A disbelief in god or gods.' with disbelief meaning 'not having or holding a specific belief' or 'refusal or reluctance to believe'. Both definitions of disbelief say nothing about holding the opposite belief. [/B]
There is always some ambiguity with words, their meanings change over time for one thing. However I'm sure that current usage is as per the dictionary definitions I gave. Agnosticism is sitting on the fence, while atheism (and theism) is making your mind up. I take your point about the roots of the words (ammoral vs immoral for instance) but this seems to be what they have come to mean for most people, and how they're generally used.

(Collins gives

Agnostic: A person who holds that knowledge of a supreme being is impossible.

Atheism: A rejection of belief in God or Gods. (from Greek 'atheos'- godless)
 
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  • #11
It's futile to argue with a dictionary but the Collins definition of agnostic bugs me. I called myself an agnostic for many years but I never held that knowledge of a deity was impossible, just that there was no evidence for it currently available. The Collins definition, like atheism, like theism, is making a large assertion about reality without any evidence.
 
  • #12
Originally posted by selfAdjoint
It's futile to argue with a dictionary but the Collins definition of agnostic bugs me. I called myself an agnostic for many years but I never held that knowledge of a deity was impossible, just that there was no evidence for it currently available. The Collins definition, like atheism, like theism, is making a large assertion about reality without any evidence.
I think it's just that words are quite often inadequate to their task. Like you I used to consider myself to be an agnostic because I didn't know, not because I thought I couldn't know. I'm sure lots of people do the same. Normally this doesn't cause problems. However in metaphysical discussions a bit more care is needed to avoid misunderstandings, it actually matters to the discussion precisely what you mean. (For what it's worth I gave up agnosticism for atheism).

Agnosticism is not an assertion when defined in a dictionary, just a term to name a belief that some people adopt. Philosopher of consciousness Colin McGinn for instance embraces 'mysterianism' which is much the same thing, and many belief systems are based on the unknowability of God. In a way Plato, Kant, Popper and others who deny the possibility of certain knowledge were agnostics in the Collins sense, and many agree with their views. Even Hawking has written an essay entitled 'The End of Physics' in response to Goedel's proofs, and suggests that we can't ever know the Truth about reality for logical reasons. Technically I would say this was agnosticism.

But I agree with you that we all use these words very imprecisely and their meanings are often ambiguous around the edges.
 
  • #13
Originally posted by Canute

Agnostic: A person who holds that knowledge of a supreme being is impossible.

Atheism: A rejection of belief in God or Gods. (from Greek 'atheos'- godless)

Canute,
Read your own definitions: Agnostic is one that holds knowledge of a supreme being is impossible - this says nothing about their beliefs as to the existence of said being, only that certainty, via knowledge is impossible. Belief is acceptance with little or no evidence, knowledge is certainty based on direct evidence.

Atheist may reject a belief, but that is hardly the holding of an opposite belief. I reject the belief that you wear womens underwear (because I'm assuming you're male and probably well adjusted). But I don't hold that you don't wear it, as a belief (for all I know you could be female). I don't hold either because I have little evidence to accept either position.

As far as atheism and beliefs you're taking a tri-state condition (belief in, belief in not, and no belief) and trying to fit it into two states (belief in, belief in not).
 
  • #14
I like www.dictionary.com because it lists the definitions given by multiple dictionaries. So re: athiesm and agnostic, it only gives one definition for athiest in two different dictionaries (word for word identical until the last 3 words):

-One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods.

For agnostic, it gives both definitions discussed above (from American Heritage):

-One who believes that it is impossible to know whether there is a God.
-One who is skeptical about the existence of God but does not profess true atheism.

I also like the statement that its tough to argue against a dictionary. Yes, there is some ambiguity, but beyond that a definition is something you really can't argue against. It just is.
 
  • #15
Originally posted by russ_watters

-One who disbelieves or denies the existence of God or gods.

I feel it is important to note that disbelieves and denies are not synonyms, here. One's a failure to believe, one is the belief in the contrary.

I agree that both fall under a definition of atheist, but the latter is much more narrow than the former.
 
  • #16
Originally posted by radagast
Canute,
Read your own definitions: Agnostic is one that holds knowledge of a supreme being is impossible - this says nothing about their beliefs as to the existence of said being, only that certainty, via knowledge is impossible.
We seem to agree.

Belief is acceptance with little or no evidence,
Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't.

knowledge is certainty based on direct evidence.
Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. Sometimes people just use it to mean indirect scientific knowledge and so forth.

Atheist may reject a belief, but that is hardly the holding of an opposite belief.
Atheists believe that God does not exist. Full stop, end of story, and all dictionaries agree. What are you trying to say?

I reject the belief that you wear womens underwear (because I'm assuming you're male and probably well adjusted).
You shouldn't reject a belief on the basis of an assumption. It's bad philosophical practice. You don't reject the belief, you just don't hold it.

But I don't hold that you don't wear it, as a belief (for all I know you could be female). I don't hold either because I have little evidence to accept either position.
You'll never make a tabloid journalist thinking like that.

As far as atheism and beliefs you're taking a tri-state condition (belief in, belief in not, and no belief) and trying to fit it into two states (belief in, belief in not). [/B]
Theism, atheism and agnosticism make three. Belief in, belief in not and uncertainty. There's some muddle but this is the usual and most convenient way of using the words.
 
  • #17
  • #18
Are you telling me that atheists claim that God might exist after all? I don't think many atheists here would agree. On the whole they claim he doesn't exist.

What is your term for someone who claims God does not exist?
 
  • #19
Originally posted by Canute
Are you telling me that atheists claim that God might exist after all? I don't think many atheists here would agree. On the whole they claim he doesn't exist.

This atheist does. Other than a few (obviously very few) online, how many people have you actually met, who consider themselves atheist?

The vast majority of people that call themselves atheists, in the west, would accept that a god existed, if given some strong evidence.

I, and many, many of the folks I've talked with on this and other forums (alt.atheism.moderated is a popular one), use the terms strong and weak atheism to denote those that 'believe' there is no god and those that have no belief, respectively. In my experience, with many years of debate on a number of forums, the weak atheists out-number the strong atheists at least 20 or 30 to 1.

What is your term for someone who claims God does not exist?

As mentioned above, strong atheist is the term used on most atheism/religion forums. Most atheist became atheists because they consider faith and strong beliefs a less rational position. That they would jump to the opposite belief is just as irrational.

While I understand the contention that one definition and common usage of 'atheism' does match what you've stated, just your claim that it is the only definition doesn't change it, anymore than it changes the reality of what I do and do not believe. Atheism, as do many words, has more than one meaning. Each are valid.

The reason those of us who consider ourselves atheist, state the definition is for clarity of discourse. Arguing semantics is somewhat inane. Assuming you don't accept the definitions we (and many dictionaries) give, I presume you accept our word concerning our own beliefs and lack thereof. If you can't accept what we are saying about our own lack of beliefs, then I would have to agree with FZ that this is a straw-man ploy, just being used to make your argument points easier to defend.
 
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  • #20
I'm not making any argument, other than disagreeing with your use of 'atheism'. Still, language is use, as someone said.
 
  • #21
Originally posted by radagast
But is that the only definition associated to atheism, by Penguin?

Most dictionaries will list that as one of it's meanings, given that it's a common usage. Most also list 'A disbelief in god or gods.' with disbelief meaning 'not having or holding a specific belief' or 'refusal or reluctance to believe'. Both definitions of disbelief say nothing about holding the opposite belief.

This is an important point, and not just in this discussion. Disbelief is not the same thing as a contrary belief. It is merely the lack of belief. This is why disbelief cannot be disproven, but rather the beliefs must be proven.
 
  • #22
Note to all: Semantics debates of this nature are often the least productive...
 
  • #24
I'm not sure if I can agree with everything that page said.

Firstly, logical reasoning is not an absolute law which governs the universe. Many times in the past, people have concluded that because something is logically impossible (given the science of the day), it must be impossible, period. It was also believed at one time that Euclidean geometry was a universal law; it is, after all, logically consistent. Again, we now know that the rules of Euclidean geometry are not universal

Logical reasoning IS an absolute law which governs the universe- logicaly achieved conclusions that prove false are that way because of faulty axioms. We have no reason to assume logic itself is not an absolute law.

Secondly, logic is not a set of rules which govern human behavior. Humans may have logically conflicting goals.

I would challenge that assumption... The "conflicting goals" aren't really multiple contradictory goals with no logical resolution. I would argue that every goal has a priority attached to it and when goals conflict an action is chosen based on logically comparing the benifit/harm in light of the priorities.
 
  • #25
Originally posted by Sikz
Logical reasoning IS an absolute law which governs the universe- logicaly achieved conclusions that prove false are that way because of faulty axioms. We have no reason to assume logic itself is not an absolute law.
Im not sure that's completely right. In an everyday sense it seems to be what we find. But it's possible that the structure of reality slightly exceeds the logical bounds of any formally logical system used to think about it. This is what Goedel's incompleteness theorems suggest to some people.

That isn't to say that anybody thinks that reality (existence, the Universe, whatever) isn't rational. It just means that there may be something beyond truth and falsity, a 'meta-system' in mathematical terms.

I don't know if that will sound odd or obvious, but it is claimed to be true by a large number of people, including a number from the science community.
 

1. What is the difference between rationalism and atheism?

Rationalism is the belief that reason and logic should be the primary sources of knowledge and understanding. Atheism, on the other hand, is the lack of belief in a higher power or deity. While rationalism focuses on using reason to understand the world, atheism is a stance on the existence of a higher power.

2. How did Niels Bohr view rationalism and atheism?

Niels Bohr, a prominent scientist, viewed rationalism and atheism as two separate concepts. He believed in the power of reason and logic to understand the world, but also acknowledged the existence of a higher power that was beyond human comprehension.

3. Can someone be both a rationalist and an atheist?

Yes, it is possible for someone to hold both rationalist and atheist beliefs. Rationalism does not necessarily contradict the belief in a higher power, as it focuses on using reason and logic to understand the world rather than relying on faith or belief.

4. Did Niels Bohr's scientific discoveries influence his views on rationalism and atheism?

While Niels Bohr's scientific discoveries, particularly in the field of quantum mechanics, may have influenced his perspective on the world, there is no evidence to suggest that they directly influenced his views on rationalism and atheism. These were separate concepts that he held throughout his life.

5. How do rationalism and atheism impact scientific research?

Rationalism and atheism can impact scientific research by promoting a reliance on reason and logic rather than faith or belief. This can help to ensure that scientific findings are based on evidence and critical thinking, rather than personal biases or beliefs. Additionally, the lack of belief in a higher power may also lead to a more open-minded and objective approach to scientific research.

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