What are your views on Agnosticism?

Answer 1

It's the only logical choice.

Atheism says there is no deity -- without proof. (yes, I know you cannot prove a negative, and you start with the assumption of non-existence. Notice -- cannot prove, assumption).

Theism says there is a deity -- without proof. (and the existence of something does not count as it could have come into existence any many of ways).

Either way... no proof. Agnosticism doesn't require proof. Proof is entirely unknowable, so, the agnostics consider the question as meaningless as asking, "what is the color of the smell of the other side of this here mobius loop?"

Answer 2

G'day BC Munkee,

Thank you for your question.

It is my general position of agnosticism tending towards atheism.

Agnosticism is the philosophical view that the truth value of certain claims — particularly theological claims regarding the existence of God, gods, or deities — is unknown, inherently unknowable, or incoherent and thus irrelevant to life. The term and the related agnostic were coined by Thomas Henry Huxley in 1869, and are also used to describe those who are unconvinced or noncommittal about the existence of deities as well as other matters of religion. The word agnostic comes from the Greek a (without) and gnosis (knowledge). Agnosticism is not to be confused with a view specifically opposing the doctrine of gnosis and Gnosticism—these are religious concepts that are not generally related to agnosticism.

Agnostics may claim that it is not possible to have absolute or certain spiritual knowledge or, alternatively, that while certainty may be possible, they personally have no such knowledge. Agnosticism in both cases involves some form of skepticism towards religious statements. Some claim that there is nothing distinctive in being an agnostic because even theists do not claim to know God exists, only to believe it, and many even agree there is room for doubt; and atheists in the broader sense do not claim to know there is no God, only not to believe in one.

Some good books on agnosticism and atheism are:

* Man's Place In Nature, Thomas Huxley, ISBN 0-375-75847-X
* Why I Am Not a Christian, Bertrand Russell, ISBN 0-671-20323-1
* Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion, David Hume, ISBN 0-14-044536-6
* Language, Truth, and Logic, A.J. Ayer, ISBN 0-486-20010-8
* Atheism, the Case Against God, George H. Smith, ISBN 0-87975-124-X

I have attached sources for your reference.

Regards

Answer 3

It would depend on whether you are talking about Honest Agnosticism or Dishonest Agnosticism.

Agnostic means not having knowledge ("a" meaning "not" and "gnost" meaning "knowledge")

An honest agnostic is someone who does not know if there is a god but is trying to figure that out. I have the highest respect for these people. Even if they conclude that God does not exist, at least they considered the evidence and weighed the arguments.

However, the dishonest agnostic is one who does not know or who claims it is unknowable and therefore does not try to find out. I generally consider these people intellectually lazy. Some, however, take this position because they are really atheists but too cowardly to come out and say so and therefore have to defend their position. For them, being agnostic is a way of avoiding the question all together while appearing thoughtful and high minded.

Answer 4

I think spamandham (great name BTW) is right. I was once a Catholic and became agnostic because I thought my problem was with the Christ part. But in the end, the real problem is with the God part, thus I am now an atheist.

In the end, agnosticism is logically flawed. It is holding out for an irrefutable concept to be proven or disproven. Unless the Rapture actually happens and he shows up, no one will ever be able to prove that God exists or doesn't. Why would you even be "unsure" is something exists if there is no evidence for or against it? It just doesn't work for me...

Answer 5

i do not imagine that is everywhere close to the textbook answer i develop into given in intense college yet to be an agnostic is someone who thinks that even as the validity of religion is unlikely and technology can answer further and extra questions, there are nevertheless some huge questions that no one knows the answer to and for that reason no one can declare to understand any of the large solutions for particular. Agnosticism is nearly a recognize for the unknown i guess, saying that you aren't any further going to make claims about issues no one knows the answer to.

Answer 6

It is a good starting point. It allows you to explore various thoughts, sciences and religions. Personally I don't think we, as humans, are smart enough to know how everything came to be. Yeah, there is the Big Bang Theory, the Bible, all of the other religous books. But who really nows? Nobody!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

I'm not sure if agnosticism really exists or not.

Answer 8

My honest opinion is that it is neither one thing nor another. Spiritual fence sitting whilst claiming to be able to see both points of view.

Answer 9

ALL AGNOSTICS MUST DIE!!!!!!!

...just kidding.

I don't think formal agnosticism, the claim that god is unknowable, is philosophically sustainable. Honestly, I think most people call themselves agnostic because they don't want want to admit they are atheists.

Answer 10

It seems a good starting point