Oh I agree. I suspect the vast majority of atheists did not get to their lack of belief through skeptisism. For some reason they think atheism has something to do with their other beliefs, it does not.Michael K Gray wrote:Impossible! It contains criticism of Watson.Jack wrote:You cut and paste that from FtB you lazy bugger.Michael K Gray wrote:Objection, your honour!Jack wrote:The issue we have is the atheist movement is infected by people who have no interest in skepticism or critical thinking.
"Infected" is a misleading and thoroughly poisonous term in this case.
I keep trying to impress on the learned counsel that a-theism has nothing necessarily to do with either skepticism or critical thinking!
It is simple the absence of a belief.
Whilst a-theism may be caused by skepticism, it is not in any way dependent upon it for the majority of atheists.
Any number of unskeptical, (or even anti-skeptical), and/or uncritical thinkers can and have embraced atheism with gusto, and will continue to do so.
Of course we have "people who have no interest in skepticism or critical thinking"! M'lud.
(I gave several examples in a prior submission to the court. Exhibit A-theism.)
I request that you advise Sir Jack to withdraw his unfounded and scurrilous remark, as it renders our well-water somewhat unpalatable, or I shall have a hissy-fit in the robing room, and go to the bar association afterward.
(Watson will be there as well, I am led to understand. Perhaps she has the legal term "Bar" confused with something else.)
BTW, I am quite serious about the atheism/skepticism disconnect.
And the sunscreen.
If I have one bit of advice to the class of '95:- it is to "Wear Atheism".
On A+ recently a mod said 'We are about Social Justice from and atheist perspective'. I can't parse that, it is a meaningless statement.
That also does not mean they can't hijack the word 'atheist' and use it for their own social or political beliefs. If they want to be activists in those areas they should join groups who support that or be happy to be PART of the overall atheist movement rather than all of it.
Because of it's dictionary definition the word atheism in activism has been accepted to mean secularism and anti-theism. Even that is arguable. In any event no one has the right to assume a philosophy on it, especially one so deeply flawed and not in general agreement.