Philosophical questions for atheists?

Question

I'm writing a philosophy paper about theism/atheism. I was wondering if some atheists would answer a few questions. What is at our core/essence of being, or do we have a core (aka avocado vs. artichoke)? (For instance, Plato thought reason was at our core, theists say that we are made in the image of God at our core, etc.) Why are we here? What is our purpose in living? How do we determine what is right and wrong? Thanks!

I actually already have a thesis, thanks. I understand not all atheists will respond the same, I'm just trying to get a range of answers from many atheists to discuss their side. Thanks for all the help so far everyone!

Answer 1

There is no substance to the universe. It is a well-balanced "zero sum state" that evolved from nothingness, according to the laws of probability. Only nothingness needs no explanation for its non-entityness. Everyone who posits substance cannot answer the basic question, Why has that persisted forever? Why being (Heidegger), why god (theists), why power (Nietzsche), etc. "Why nothing?" makes no sense.

We are here because we evolved from simpler organisms, again according to the laws of probability, which underlie Darwin.

We have no innate purpose. We have to figure out our individual goals as we live.

With no defensible absolute standards, ethical behavior must be based on empirical standards. I have shown that all atomic characteristics weighted equally, we are all more or less equal. Thus, I base ethical behavior on egalitarianism, an idea anathema to atheistic elitists like Nietzsche.

Answer 2

I am an atheist.

To be an atheist, all one has to do is not believe in any god/s. Beyond that one requirement, there are no set standards or positions about other aspects of life. Atheism is not a belief system. It is only one disbelief.

So you may get many different answers to your questions about philosophy of life from different atheists.

For me:
1) The core essence of our being IMO is our ability to think.
2) I am here because my parents had sex
3) My purpose for living is to enjoy life, and to provide for my family.
4) I determine what is right and wrong from the morals taught to me by my parents and teachers in the society in which I live.

You're welcome.

Answer 3

Why are we here?

You may as well ask matter itself why it exists.

What is our purpose in living?

You can understand how and explain the processes. Humans talk about purposes, this special arrangement of particles that make my consciousness thinks about purpose. For there to be a purpose it would seem that something "higher" would have to exist. Again, you may as well ask any piece of matter what its purpose is.

How do we determine what is right and wrong?

We grow up with socially accepted norms. In the system of social creatures this understanding has evolved that we work better in a group. We scratch each others backs. We realize that we shouldn't do things to other people which we would not want them to do to us. A great majority of us must have this understanding so that we may live better than we would otherwise.

Answer 4

our core essence of being is the human mind. what separates us from other animals is the capability to use reason and logic to think out problems before we face them. that is the essence that i believe is at the core of every human being. logic and reason.

i think the why are we here and what is our purpose are the same question just worded differently so i will answer them both. from the philosophical standpoint i believe we are here for that one thing that makes you happy. to quote Curly from City Slickers "all you need is that one thing and everything else dont mean ****". that one thing may be different for every person but there is only that one thing you feel will make you happy.

right/wrong, good/evil are all topics that we learn from society. from teachers, parents, news, and more. you hit your brother and your parents punish you for it so you learn that is something you shouldnt do if you dont want to be punished and thus something bad.

Answer 5

We are a natural phenomenon. If you look at things one way, we are a comparably complex natural phenomenon. Our behaviour is more complex than that of the other animals. We aren't here for any reason; purpose is a human creation. (I think one should come up with a purpose for one's self) Right and wrong are concepts that we define, and no perfect definition is possible. (There is too much variation between people, for example)

We should live to enjoy life. The greatest good for the greatest number.

Answer 6

Doesn't that thought imply that if you happen to die then everybody else ceases to exist? I'd hate to believe that my loved ones all die given that I do. It without doubt implies that this rule does not observe to any individual however me or whilst my Grandad died I might have disapeared and the entire global might have ceased to be. Unless you're considering that existence is a laptop sport and it used to be made for you it would not paintings. Of path the sector exists external the brain, the brain simply permits you to recognize that it is all there. I get the factor you're looking to make that if you happen to cannot see whatever does it imply that it isn't there? You cannot see God thus such a lot of persons select not to feel in him/her/it. The main issue is that existence is situated on revel in and if any person advised me that they had noticeable whatever that I hadn't then I might wish to look it too earlier than I believed it used to be actual.

Answer 7

well, i don't determine what is right/wrong by what a book tells me or some man for sure. i determine it by suffering and pain(wrong).like killing,torturing. then again, if YOU have done that, then maybe you deserve that. that sort of thing. Plato was one of the greatest philosophers, so i'd have to say reason is very insightful, but cannot be sure of why humans(if that's what you're reffering to exsist). from modern evidence, i'd have to say to destroy-just look at the planet.

Answer 8

I think our purpose of living is to reproduce. Right and wrong is determined by our conscience and the law. Atheists are caring law abiding people, and have a sense of right and wrong just like everybody else. I don't know about our core.

Answer 9

everyone will give you different answers. the only thing all atheists have in common is that we don't believe in a god or gods.

my answers:
at the "core" of my being is merely me, who i am. my personality, my (sub) conscious, what makes me me.

we are here because we are, because of the big bang and evolution. there's no higher purpose for it. we just are. honestly, it's irrelevant. what matters to me is that i AM here and i'm going to make the best of it.

we each create our own purpose for living--there's not universal purpose. mine is to try and do as much good as i can and change the world as much as possible in my short time here.

right and wrong are inherent to us. it's part of our nature. we don't have to be taught right and wrong--we instinctively know.

Answer 10

Every atheist would answer these differently but here goes:

Why are we here?"
Ultimately because Mathematics (necessary logical truth ) is necessary and the selection effect of our existence which selects those mathematical systems ( which we interpret as physics) which allow us to evolve.

http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/arxiv/pdf/0704/0704.0646v1.pdf

"What is our purpose in living?"
We create our own purposes.

"How do we determine what is right and wrong?"
We have evolved empathy and the ability to reason which allows us to apply empathy to practical problems.