Are all nihilists atheist?

Question

Is it logical to be both agnostic and nihilist?

Answer 1

It is generally common to think that most nihilists don't believe in the existence of a creator, because then there is no order to the universe and the world. However, there are always exceptions: such as people who believe god is possibly evil or conniving.

Also, there are Deists, who believe God exists but only had a hand in setting the world and universe into motion, and now doesn't have an active relationship with what occurs within it. So a Deist could possibly be a nihilist.

Answer 2

Nihilism has little to do with either atheism or agnosticism. From the Wikipedia entry:

"Nihilism is a philosophical position which argues that the world, and especially human existence, is without objective meaning, purpose, comprehensible truth, or essential value. Nihilists generally assert some or all of the following: there is no reasonable proof of the existence of a higher ruler or creator, a "true morality" is unknown, and secular ethics are impossible; therefore, life has no truth, and no action is known to be preferable to any other."

Neither atheists nor agnostics deny "comprehensible truth or essential value." The naturalistic laws favored over supernatural explanations, in fact, lend themselves much more to understanding the world we live in than superstitious mumbo-jumbo or religious hand-waving.

While many do deny an _objective_ (generally taken to mean "handed down from god") purpose to life, many of us believe that life's greatest purpose, is that which each individual creates for himself. Any other purpose is external to you and thus is not truly your own.

Agnostics & atheists certainly believe in secular ethics, as well as truth in life and the preferability of some actions over others. Our actions & preferences are based on pragmatism and rational thought, unlike theistic ethics which tend to rely on the "argument from authority" logical fallacy.

In fact, Wiki also has this to say about nihilism: "Nietzsche described Christianity as a nihilistic religion because it evaded the challenge of finding meaning in earthly life, creating instead a spiritual projection where mortality and suffering were removed instead of transcended."

In contrast to Nietzsche's analysis, when something (or someone) is described as being nihilistic, the accusation is usually intended to be derogatory rather than a description of one's philosophical views. Such is often the case with atheists and agnostics, who are called nihilistic by theists too ignorant to imagine that one can lead a godless life not only without despair, but with a fulfilling satisfaction and mental freedom unimaginable within the confines of narrow, dogmatic religious thought.

Answer 3

I don't think so. An agnostic says you can't know. A nihilist is the ultimate logical conclusion of an authentic atheist. I don't think an agnostic's beliefs will lead to despair. I don't think most atheist are true to their beliefs because there really would be no point to this whole life. Fortunately, I have found a hope that gives me meaning for life.

Answer 4

That is a really good question. I guess you can be nihilist and agnostic. A skeptical view of the existence of God, although not positively saying that God does not exist should also be compatible with nihilism. Many philosophers even acknowledging that God can exist have also speculated that he would not have any interest in human kind at all and therefore nihilism would not be incompatible.

Answer 5

i am an agnostic and, also, something of a nihilist. the "not knowing" that comes of being agnostic makes me want to destroy everything. i really hate not knowing things. further, as an agnostic, i don't know that god, assuming there is one, or more isn't/aren't out to get me (i'm a bit paranoid, as well), and has made the world just to annoy or kill me (perhaps more than a little paranoid). alternately, i may just want to destroy his/her/its/their, again assuming their existence, universe, out of sheer spite. i have anger issues. IT'S ALL ABOUT ME!

Answer 6

I would think all nihilists are atheists, but not all atheists are nihilsts. An agnostic is on the road to nihilsm, but holds out for the slim prospect that he may be wrong about god, death and our utter annhilation.

Answer 7

no to the first question, cuz look at the KKK, they're as religious as can be and they're about the closest thing you get to nihilists. or the skinheads of germany, same thing.

it's logical to be both agnostic and nihilist i suppose. it's logical to be anything. there are people out there that will surprise you.

Answer 8

yup!
and
nooooo!

nihilists believe in nothing!

Answer 9

just people that are not satisfy how the world is
hoping another world to destroy