Do we apply The Presumption of Atheism to such world views as Atheism, Agnostocism, or The Theory of Evolution

Question

Do we apply The Presumption of Atheism to such world views as Atheism, Agnostocism, or The Theory of Evolution?

In other words, does the human mind doubt Atheism when it first encounters it, and seek proof of the Atheists' world view?

We see facts and evidences for The Theory of Evolution, DNA, Fossils, Carbon Dating,

But do we see any evidences for or against Atheism, or for or against Agnostocism?

This may seem like a play on words, but it is an attempt at a serious question.

Answer 1

It's a good question -- I've seen quite a few atheists claim atheism is the default; that we are born atheist, but I don't think this is entirely accurate. Children tend to anthropomorphize nature and assume that someone created it; atheists also use this to imply that belief in God is childish -- but you can't have it both ways. Sure, you can argue that children are indoctrinated with the concept at an early age, but developmental psychology doesn't support this -- it's just as much the case of children raised without religion.
It fits my own personal experience as well, as the child of atheists.
At any rate, there is so little consensus on the meaning of the word "God" that arguing for its existence or non-existence is invariably based on a straw man argument of some kind. To find evidence that no God could possibly exist, you first have to define "God" in such a way that it would apply to all gods, not just the christian concept.
Some concepts of god are so indistinguishable from "universe" or some such thing that proving they can't exist would be impossible.

EDIT:
Scientific evidence against the literal interpretation of the Bible, or the god of fundamentalist christians, is not evidence for atheism. Evidence for, say, evolution, does not support atheism, it only debunks "young earth" theory and the literal interpretation of the bible.

To claim it does is like claiming that because Galileo erred in his theories on the shape of orbits, all of science is untrue.

Answer 2

This is an excellent point and more of the creationist need to try to understand that all the different theories are just that. Different Scientific Theories that have been proven to be true. Unlike their mythological "theory" which isn't even close to being proven or factual in any way. Circular logic is not proof. Intelligent Design is not a theory: "One requirement of science is that it makes specific predictions, which can be tested in a laboratory." states geologist Robert Hazen "Another requirement is that it does not rely on supernatural or miraculous processes." The primary case that intelligent design promotes is that life and the universe have systems that are so complex that they can only be explained by a creator. The very essence of that theory is completely un-testable. The only test that stands up is if we can not explain complex systems scientifically then they must have been designed by some form of intelligence. If it was designed by "a creator" a single being or entity; whether that be God, an Alien or the Giant Spaghetti Monster then we are left without testing. The implied protocol for testing is to give up and stop researching because the answers to the question are to difficult to explain. The teaching of (un)intelligent design is criminal and wicked in it's intent. The minds of our children and the qulaity of their education is being compromised for the personal gain of a few religious zealots that are no better than the Taliban. The Talibabtists have got to understand that their religion and our public schools are 2 serperate enties and have to remain so if our country is to remain strong and compettitive in the world economy of tomorrow. If they get their way we will be reduced to a 3rd world country in a matter of a few decades.

Answer 3

I think I agree with Isweedan.

Setting aside that fact that the evidences you mention only really debunk one particular type of religion from one particular book, I don't think people look for 'proof' for atheism.

I think atheism is less of a gradual development of a viewpoint based on the accumulation of evidence and more of an erosion of beliefs.

I suspect most children believe in magic, Father Christmas and the tooth fairy. They take such ideas in their stride along with babies being found under gooseberry bushes, invisible friends and the infallibility of their parents.

But with time they find that many of these things go against other observations. Father Christmas visits whether there is a chimney or not. No-one they know can fly or become invisible. And babies arrive by far more mysterious means.

So gradually their beliefs in such things are eroded. But not because they have sought out evidence to contradict them. That is the province of people like us who find it interesting or intellectually challenging to put across contrary views to other Y!Aists.
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Answer 4

The theory of evolution? Absolutely. You should doubt any scientific theory until you are familiar enough with the research to make an informed decision.
Atheism? No. You don't need evidence to support the lack of belief in something.
Agnosticism, as in strong agnosticism, or the belief that the existence of a god is unknowable, does require evidence. One needs to find something in the nature of gods that means that their existence cannot be demonstrated one way or the other.

Answer 5

I missed the part on the 'facts' for Atheism eg Evolution?, DNA?, Fossils?, Carbon Dating?? Did you know carbon dating looses 1/2 it's value every 5000 yrs so to say anything is like 500,000 can not be proven. DNA has been scientifically analyzed and it's integrated complexity had NO CHANCE of bumping itself ad infinitum into the exact numerous cell configurations that make us work properly. Oh and didn't YOU say we should be tripping over missing links every time we went down the road there should be so many many many?

Answer 6

Atheism and agnosticism aren't world views. They are narrow philosophical positions about a specific subject. The theory of evolution is specific to evolution, which also is not a world view.

Answer 7

I see nothing but facts and evidence for atheism. That's why I'm an atheist. Evolution by its very nature requires no deity to operate. I've never seen or heard from a deity. I've never seen any hard evidence for a deity. For me, deities just don't exist.

Answer 8

most human minds accept the popular ideas presented to them in the media and the educational system without question and to question leads to ridicule ..... so i guess it would depend on the times and the culture u live in on what is accepted without question ... and it doesnt matter which belief system a person has "now" ... if that person is religeous they will seek truths and proof in atheists perspective ... and im sure its the same for atheists considering christians views ... imo theres no need to completely block out any one view ... im christian but im willing to look at atheists theories and ideas to see what actual truths they have ... usually they just support my views even further ...

Answer 9

I dont think so. I think Atheism is the natural starting point of the human mind. Then, the viruses take hold.

Answer 10

We see evidence that theism exists, yes. Exhibit A: I'm telling you I'm an atheist. That's evidence. If you give me a polygraph test, that's even stronger evidence.