atheism etymology

Etymology:

The word "atheism" is derived from two Greek words:

  • a- (α-): Prefix meaning "without," "not"
  • theos (θεός): Noun meaning "god"

Meaning and Origin:

Atheism is the philosophical or religious belief that there is no god or deities. The term was first used in a derogatory sense by ancient Greek writers to refer to those who did not believe in the gods of the Greek pantheon.

In the 17th century, the English philosopher Thomas Hobbes popularized the use of "atheism" to describe a deliberate denial of the existence of a god or gods. However, it was not until the 19th century that atheism became widely accepted as a legitimate philosophical position.

Key Concepts:

  • Rejection of God Belief: Atheism is primarily defined by the absence of belief in the existence of any deity. Atheists do not believe that any god or gods created or rule the universe.
  • Rationalism: Many atheists adhere to a rationalist worldview, believing that reason and evidence should be the primary guides for understanding the world.
  • Naturalism: Atheism is often associated with naturalism, the philosophical view that the universe operates according to natural laws and processes, without the need for supernatural intervention.
  • Agnosticism: Some atheists also identify as agnostics, acknowledging that they cannot know for certain whether or not a god exists, but doubting its existence based on available evidence.

atheism relate terms

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