Quote:
Originally Posted by VladtheImpaler
Sorry, I never took a philosophy course, and, frankly, found purely philosophical writing/discourse boring. I was under the impression "agnostic" was one who was willing to admit that he didn't know. I was also under the impression that an athiest was sure that there was no god. That is wrong? Therefore, I am a "weak athiest" as opposed to an "agnostic"? Not trying to be smarmy - just curious if I've been operating with incorrect assumptions/definitions.
|
Some people do tend use the words to say that agnostic was one who was willing to admit they didn't know and atheist as one that was sure, as you say.. so it's not so much incorrect definitions but more a case where the meanings are complicated and casual use isn't precise enough for a meaningful discussion.
Plus mix in the negative response to atheism by some believers in our society, and atheist will even identify themselves as agnostic just because that seems to be more acceptable to friends/family/coworkers.
But yeah if you take the position that you don't believe that there is a god but you didn't know for sure, then you are a weak atheist (by virtue that you answer no to "do you believe god exists" and answer no to "do you believe god does not exist"), and a weak agnostic (by virtue that you say you do not know, if you said that in principle it is impossible for anyone to know then you would be a strong agnostic).
I just try to be clear because it's easy to think you're disagreeing with the person's ideas when really it's a lack of matching up of definitions.