Are scientists generally aethiests?

Answer 1

In a survey, over 90% of the members of the National Academy of Sciences did not believe in a personal God or in personal immortality. This did not rule out agnosticism or deism, but also included atheism.

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Answer 2

No. And whoever dares to give me a thumbs down is not a scientist, does not work with scientists, and will generally quote bad surveys of UNREPRESENTATIVE groups of scientists. In statistics when you have an unrepresentative sample, then it's completely meaningless. The findings are junk and should be ignored. I've been doing research for over 10 years in 8 countries and have conversed with thousands of scientists. Most tend to believe in a higher power that they know nothing about. They don't subscribe to any particular religious beliefs but they're not atheists either. And considering that I make it a point to ask every scientist I meet this question, then my sample is a much better representation than a mail order junk study.

Answer 3

There is not a complete study of atheism among scientists. NH Baritone cites a good study, but wisely qualifies it as not distinguishing between deists, atheists, agnostics, pantheists (e.g. Einstein) and so forth. The study was also rather unscientific, as it was done by mail only about 50% responded. So, it is informal at best. Some have estimated that atheists in scientists are around 60%. This is also anecdotal, but a figure Richard Dawkins (an apologist for atheism) seems to agree with.

Answer 4

Generally, yes.

There was a study in '98 - the "Larson-Witham" study - which found that only 7% of scientists (members of the National Academy of Sciences) believe in a diety, while 72% are atheist, and 20% are agnostic.

Answer 5

In general, yes. Some still go to church, etc. because of tradition.
In general, the higher one's level of education, the less likely one is to be religious or believe in a "personal deity."

Answer 6

no

Answer 7

NO!