Are atheists more rational and moral human beings?

Question

I think so, just wondered what others think.

Answer 1

Yes I think so, people who don't believe in a god are more moral as they do good things because of their own conscience not from some fear of the almighty.

Answer 2

In general yes.

Whilst there have been some very bad people who were atheists (Stalin, Mao and Pol Pot come to mind) their crimes weren't committed because of atheism (as opposed to people like Hitler who did what they did because of Christianity or Bin Laden who did what he did because of Islam). Communism though is a quasi-religious belief system with many similarities to Christianity, Islam and the like.

Though in general atheists are more rational for the simple fact that we believe in one less irrational thing than most of the population (and skeptics are far more likely to be atheists) though there are of course exceptions.

In terms of morality no one really seems to have any good data on that question though religious morality is a bit of joke and isn't really followed by anyone except ultra-fundamentalists (not even the likes of Pat Robertson can ignore secular morality). The increased rationality is an advantage in terms of developing a moral system though because to be able to accurately determine if an action is moral one has to know the truth about the situation that action is being performed in.

Answer 3

I am not religious (although I for somewhat peculiar reasons avoid the word atheist).

I do not think that atheists are more--or less--rational or more moral human beings than believers.

I take as my point of departure the concrete situation when individuals deal with each other on a one to one basis. In that situation, it is best to assume, at least at the start, that we are moral and intellectual equals. As we get to know each other, our dealings may take on the character of mutual trust, distrust or more likely a complex mixture of the two.

Answer 4

I think that to be an atheist, you have to use some rational decision making process. Plus, you probably have to defend yourself fairly often from family members and Christians, so you've developed some reasonable arguments.

I think morality is innate in any culture. If you are part of a culture, you probably share the same morals. IMO, humans wouldn't have developed mythology and religion if they didn't already have a sense of right and wrong. They are necessary parts of any animal's family behavior patterns.

Answer 5

Rational probably, more moral, I doubt it. I think they tend to be more honest because their ideology doesn't follow in lockstep with a religion. Their morality has to be relevant as well as socially beneficial. Since there is no proclaimed dictator of wrong or right, atheists have to be more responsible for their own actions.

It's very human to have morals, even if we don't always live up to them, most humans posses them.

Pantheist

Answer 6

some atheists have morals, the two from the organic regulation or as a residual of Judaeo-Christian impression. in spite of the indisputable fact that, the genuine difficulty is that atheists have not have been given any foundation for purpose morality. Following the atheist creation fantasy, human beings are the unintentional results of cosmic injuries, devoid of layout or purpose, and difficulty to no purpose ethical regulations. this potential that they are certain via no purpose morals, responsibilities, or regulations previous their own possibilities. It additionally potential there are no longer any human rights based on the endowment of a writer. In prepare, atheists in familiar recommend such amoral practices as abortion, euthanasia, and promiscuity. traditionally, the atheist regimes of communism practiced mass homicide and eradicated freedom. those are effects that develop into possibly under the atheist worldview. Cheers, Bruce

Answer 7

No i am an athiest dont think im any more rational or moral than the next man

The one thing that believers/non believers have in common though is that we are all human, with human traits and faults.

Answer 8

rational yes...most times morality follows that trait, but not always. At the very least, an atheist will not be a hypocrite and claim any kind divine appointment while committing acts of atrocity.

Answer 9

Morality is something that is often taught. Although it has little to do with religion, I don't think just because a person has no faith in God they are automatically more 'moral' than a Christian or Wiccan would be.
Generally athiests seem to embrace skeptism, having that the main reason why they have no believe in God, but being irrational isn't necessarily having to do with religion.

Answer 10

Yes, to the first at least. I think that by definition, not believing in something for which there is not one iota of evidence, and which indeed runs counter to the universe as observed, makes you more rational than someone who insists on believing despite contrary evidence.

As to morality, I would like to think my morals are more sophisticated and, dare I say, evolved, than the bronze-age sacrifice culture from which the bible arose!

Answer 11

I am an atheist just for the record
They could be. But having a non belief doesn't mean you will be good. Allthough clearly they are more rational.
But wether they are more moral or not I wouldn't like to generalise. define 'more moral'. What is good etc...