Atheistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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atheistic
[eษชฮธiหษชstษชk ]
Definition
religion
Disbelieving or lacking belief in the existence of God or gods.
Synonyms
godless, nonbelieving, nontheistic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| atheistic |
Same as 'atheistic' in the prior entry, used in a neutral or academic sense but reinforced here for clarity.
|
| godless |
Often carries a negative or pejorative connotation, suggesting a lack of moral direction or spirituality due to the absence of belief in gods.
|
| nonbelieving |
Used in a neutral or descriptive manner to indicate someone who does not hold religious beliefs, without necessarily judging their morals or ethics.
|
| nontheistic |
Used in a neutral or academic setting, often relating to religions or philosophies that do not focus on the worship of gods.
|
Examples of usage
- An atheistic philosophy.
- The atheistic view of the universe.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Atheistic views often promote reasoning and empirical evidence over spiritual explanations.
- Philosophers like David Hume and Bertrand Russell discussed atheism in relation to existence and morality.
- Existentialists, such as Jean-Paul Sartre, explored the idea of meaning in a world without divine intervention.
Culture
- In literature, atheism often challenges characters' beliefs, driving plots in novels like '1984' by George Orwell.
- Movies like 'The Invention of Lying' explore a world where lying is invented and religion doesnโt exist.
- Many artists, like playwright Samuel Beckett, weave atheistic themes into their works, prompting questions about existence.
Statistics
- Recent surveys indicate that approximately 7-10% of Americans identify as atheistic, with higher percentages in Europe.
- Countries like Sweden and the Czech Republic report some of the highest rates of atheism globally.
- Research shows that among younger generations, acceptance of atheism is growing, with cultural shifts towards secular values.
Science
- Many scientists advocate for atheistic views, emphasizing natural explanations for phenomena traditionally attributed to deities.
- Prominent figures like Carl Sagan and Neil deGrasse Tyson have discussed a worldview aligned with skepticism towards supernatural claims.
- The scientific method, which relies on evidence and testing, often conflicts with faith-based approaches to understanding the universe.
Origin of 'atheistic'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'atheos', meaning 'without gods'.
- The prefix 'a-' signifies absence, while 'theist' refers to belief in deities.
- The word started being widely used in Europe during the 16th century as religion and science began to clash.
The term 'atheistic' originates from the Greek word 'atheos', which means 'without gods'. The concept of atheism has existed since ancient times, with notable philosophers and thinkers advocating for a lack of belief in deities. Atheism has been a topic of debate and discussion throughout history, challenging religious beliefs and promoting secularism and rationalism.