Methodological or metaphysical naturalism

What it is: Many forms of atheism associate with naturalism, that is, preference for natural explanations of the universe and life.

How the position understands it: Physical, biological, mental, and social phenomena should be explained by processes accessible to rational and empirical investigation, without recourse to divine intervention.

Argumentative basis and context: The distinction between methodological and metaphysical naturalism is important: the first guides scientific method; the second extends that to a general view of reality.

Debates and variations: Not every atheist is strictly naturalist, but the link is frequent.

Supportive

Democritus and ancient materialism

atheism,materialism,antiquity,democritus

A philosophical precursor of non-theistic explanations of the world.

Reference: The ancient atomist tradition associated with Democritus.
Content: The material offers a framework for a natural explanation of the world without the need for a personal divine providence.
Use in debate: It is useful as a historical precursor of naturalism and non-theistic materialism.

Lucretius, De Rerum Natura

atheism,lucretius,naturalism,superstition

A classical philosophical poem with naturalistic explanations of the world.

Reference: Lucretius, De Rerum Natura.
Content: The work describes the universe in atomist terms and seeks to free the human being from fearful and superstitious religion.
Use in debate: It is an important source for ancient criticism of religion and for naturalism.

Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion

atheism,dawkins,new-atheism,evolution

A major new-atheist work against belief in God.

Reference: Richard Dawkins, The God Delusion.
Content: Dawkins criticizes theistic arguments, discusses evolution, and argues for the improbability of God's existence.
Use in debate: It is a central source of new atheism and of popular scientific criticism of theism.