Absence of theistic belief

Many atheists define their position as not accepting belief in gods without sufficient evidence.

54%

Confidence

Supportive

Contrary

Neutral

What it is: In a more modest formulation, atheism can be defined as absence of belief in gods.

How the position understands it: In this reading, the burden of proof falls on whoever affirms divine existence, and suspension of belief is seen as intellectually legitimate.

Argumentative basis and context: This formulation has become common in contemporary debates, especially in contexts of public skepticism.

Debates and variations: Some philosophers prefer to reserve the term atheism for explicit negation, distinguishing it more sharply from agnosticism.

Supportive

George H. Smith, Atheism: The Case Against God

atheism,george-h-smith,burden-of-proof,theism

A systematic defense of atheism and important conceptual distinctions.

Reference: George H. Smith, Atheism: The Case Against God.
Content: The book distinguishes types of atheism, criticizes theism, and addresses the burden of proof.
Use in debate: It is useful for discussions of the nonexistence of gods and the absence of theistic belief.

Stephen Law, The Philosophy Gym / Humanism

atheism,stephen-law,humanism,philosophy

Accessible texts on reasons for atheism and secular ethics.

Reference: Stephen Law, introductory works on atheism and humanism.
Content: The author discusses theistic arguments, skepticism, and secular morality in accessible language.
Use in debate: It is useful for intellectual autonomy and ethics without theistic transcendence.

Contrary

Alvin Plantinga on theistic belief

theism,plantinga,epistemology,against

A contemporary philosophical defense of the rationality of theism.

Reference: Alvin Plantinga, writings on theistic belief as rationally justified.
Content: The author argues that belief in God can be properly basic and need not always depend on strict inferential proof.
Use in debate: It is an important source against atheistic assumptions about the burden of proof and religious rationality.

Neutral

Sociological research on the non-religious

atheism,sociology,no-religion,diversity

Studies showing the real diversity of atheist and non-religious profiles.

Reference: Sociological and demographic research on people with no religion.
Content: The material shows that atheists, agnostics, and the unaffiliated form a diverse group in practices, ethics, politics, and identity.
Use in debate: It is important for avoiding simplifications about atheism as a uniform bloc.