Atheism and the Search for Truth: An Examination of Beliefs and Evidence

Atheism, often viewed through the lens of its opposition to theism, poses a set of fundamental questions about life, beliefs, and existence. This article explores the essence of atheism, the reasons behind the decision to eschew belief in deities, and the pursuit of validation through evidence and reasoning.

Defining Atheism

The term 'atheism' refers to the lack of belief in the existence of deities. While some may argue over the nuances of defining believers and non-believers, the core tenet is clear: an atheist does not believe in the existence of God or gods. However, this does not mean that an atheist lives in a realm devoid of beliefs; rather, their beliefs are rooted in reason, empirical evidence, and a lack of compelling evidence for the existence of supernatural entities.

Acting on Non-Belief

One common query often raised is whether an atheist acts on the basis of their lack of belief in God or on what they do not believe in. Strikingly, many atheists maintain a comfortable existence in a world without divine intervention, as evidenced by those who have lived for many decades in such a reality without significant unrest or disbelief.

Proving or Disproving the Non-Existence of Deity

Challenging the existence of a deity is not as straightforward as one might assume. Many argue that showing a deity's non-existence would be as impossible as proving a negative. Engels' perspective is that arguments against the existence of a deity are more compelling when based on the absence of evidence rather than the presence of a lack of evidence.

Confidence in Atheism

The confidence in one's atheist stance is often a matter of personal belief and reasoning. For many atheists, their beliefs are a result of personal thought and study, devoid of external pressures from religious or spiritual beliefs. Such confidence is bolstered by a lack of substantial evidence for the existence of deities, leading to a reasoned absence of belief.

Materialism vs. Physicalism

Materialism and physicalism are philosophies that posit that the world is composed of physical elements only, and there is no need for non-physical elements to explain phenomena. An atheist may align with materialism, believing in a world entirely composed of matter and energy, as opposed to physicalism, which might suggest a more comprehensive view of the laws governing the physical universe.

Atheism as a Worldview

While atheism itself is not necessarily a worldview, many atheists do adopt a secular approach to life and philosophy. This does not mean that atheists deny the existence of moral frameworks or philosophical absolutes. Instead, they may find these principles within human nature and social constructs rather than divine command.

Motivations for Antagonism

Antagonism towards religion, particularly Christianity, can be attributed to various factors, including personal experiences. Some individuals find religion's interventions in their personal lives intrusive and unwelcome. The prevalence of Christianity as a cultural and societal force also contributes to this perspective, as it may impose a particular set of values or expectations on individuals.

The Impact of Atheism on Society

A recurring theme is the question of whether a society run by atheists would be safer or better than one run by Christians. While this is a complex issue, Engels posits that his experience of living in a predominantly Christian society has not led him to believe that an atheist-run society would be fundamentally different. The safety and standards of a society depend more on the principles and values upheld by its people rather than their religious affiliations.

Free Will and Oughts

The concept of free will is another topic of debate. Although there is no empirical proof of free will, many individuals believe in a form of free will that aligns with their actions and choices. Engels' view is that, while there is no definitive proof of free will, humans act as if they possess it, and this belief is central to human agency and responsibility.

Moral Absolutes

Moral absolutes are philosophical concepts that suggest certain moral principles are always true, regardless of context or situation. Engels acknowledges the existence of such absolutes in a philosophical sense, although he notes that empirical evidence for these absolutes is not widely available or universally accepted. Instead, he believes that moral values often stem from human nature and shared societal values, rather than divine command.

The Nature of Evil

Engels defines evil as derogatory descriptions of actions intended to harm or cause suffering in humanity. From a theological standpoint, the moral character of deities like the God of the Old Testament can be evaluated based on human standards of morality, rather than divine, unchanging commands. Engels views such deities as characters in myths, whose actions are subject to human interpretation.

Evidence for God's Existence

The criteria for evidence that would prove the existence of God are rigorously considered by Engels and similar atheists. For a claim to be credible and verifiable, it needs to be based on empirical evidence, such as the same level of inferential evidence used to establish the existence of particles like the Higgs boson. The requirement for material evidence for an immaterial being is a common point of contention in debates over the existence of deities.

Personal Views on Free Will

Engels believes in the practical application of free will, even if the concept remains a philosophical mystery. He acknowledges that the brain, governed by neurochemical laws, can still produce free will-like choices, reflecting the complex interplay between biology and human agency.

Evolution and the Future of the Universe

The questions of evolution and the long-term future of the universe are intertwined with the possibility of free will and purpose. Engels accepts evolution by natural selection as a fundamental biological principle but maintains that any future evolution is random and purposeless, making it difficult to speculate on future outcomes, including the likelihood of divine intervention or the emergence of post-physical beings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, atheism is more than a mere absence of belief in deities; it is a philosophical stance rooted in evidence, reason, and a commitment to understanding the world through empirical and logical means. The pursuit of truth through evidence is central to the atheist perspective, highlighting the importance of questioning and the absence of compelling evidence for the existence of deities.