Are most self-described atheists actually agnostics?

Question

It seems that many agnostics are confused for atheists, or even miscategorize themselves as such. It's been my experience that most "atheists" don't believe that there is definitely no god, they just have no idea, which really makes them agnostics.

Answer 1

No most atheists believe there is no evidence for God and therefore there is no God

Answer 2

Not this one.

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Well that's not even damning with faint praise, is it?

And the statistical, poll, or even anecdotal evidence for this observation is..?

I suspect, on at least as good grounds as your proposal, that more agnostics should be counted in the atheist camp than the other way around. Not least in communities where there is little respect for anyone "coming out" as an atheist

Anyway, the Archbishop of Wales says fundamentalist atheists are on the rise, so that's alright then.
(see my most recent question)

Answer 3

It would depend who you talk to. Agnostic may be harder to explain to people, so the simple explanation ends up being "atheist". I would assume that there are a large amount of self-described atheists who really believe that there is no larger power. Those who consider and label themselves agnostic are more likely to be well-versed on their beliefs. Atheist can be just a catch-all. I consider myself to be atheist, not agnostic. I don't believe that there is a god, gods or higher powers of any sort.

Answer 4

I'm not agnostic and I don't know who is qualified to speak for the other atheists, we don't have an official spokesperson.

The only reason I don't say for certain there is no God (although I am convinced there is not a God) is that unless we search every speck in the universe for evidence of God we cannot say for absolutely certain that God does not exist presently undetected out there somewhere...Gods absence and the total absence of detectable effects of a God here on Earth is without doubt however.

Answer 5

i think that an agnostic could go either way. while i am not egotistical enough to say that i know anything for certain, i definately lean towards the belief that there is no god. this is why i describe myself as an atheist. some christians claim they "know" there is a god, something makes them certain of this. in that same way i am certain that there is not a god. see what i mean?

Answer 6

An Atheist does NOT believe in ANY form of "higher" power, due to lack of evidence, an Agnostic is open to the possibility there "could" be a "higher" power, despite a lack of evidence

Answer 7

Not to be picky, but the most you can say is that most of the atheists you have met seem to really be agnostics. You can't say that most of all atheists are agnostics because you have nothing to base that on.

Answer 8

Yes, essentially you can't claim to not believe in that which doesn't exist. Instead they are claiming not to convert to the idea of God. That is where the misconception lays, and it shall never be more than a battle of ideals. Though reality may tell a different story, who will hear the truth, who can possibly see it? If you knew the truth how could you prove it? It all stems from one simple point, "we all believe, what is most self-serving."

Answer 9

Actually, I believe the reverse, that most agnostics are actually atheists. I called myself an agnostic for ten years because I didn't understand the difference.

Answer 10

maximum Atheists are no longer any distinctive than a dedicate religious individual. they have self belief they understand the fact and make contact with all people stupid who does not have self belief as they do. Ive under no circumstances been so boastful to inform all people what to have self belief. no you will instruct God exists yet final I heard no person has shown he does not the two. for my area the only thank you to stay is to maintain and open recommendations and understand others ideals, whether you do no longer share them. there is no longer something incorrect with faith. faith can pass mountains no rely what its in accordance with..