Profiles Index

Ethics & Morality: Philosophy of Behavior, Choice, and Character
Atheists and theists frequently debate morality on several levels: what is the origin of morality, what are proper moral behaviors, how should morality be taught, what is the nature of morality, etc. For theists, morality comes from gods and ethics is a function of theology; for atheists, morality is a natural feature of reality or human society and ethics is a part of philosophy. Atheists unfamiliar with the basics of moral philosophy will be unprepared to discuss morality with theists.

What is Metaphysics? Philosophy of the Nature of Being, Existence, Reality
Atheists typically dismiss the existence of the supernatural, so they may dismiss metaphysics as pointless. Because metaphysics is technically the study of all reality, and thus whether there is any supernatural element to it, metaphysics may be the most fundamental subject for irreligious atheists to focus on. Our ability to understand what reality is, what it is composed of, what "existence" means, etc., is basic to most disagreements between irreligious atheists and religious theists.

Philosophy of Science: Scientific Investigation, Research, Methodology
There are significant disagreements over the nature and process of scientific research which involve disputes between atheists and theists. There is a strong movement, for example, to undermine the methodological naturalism which constitutes a primary basis by which scientific investigation proceeds. Some Christians see this methodology as antithetical to their theistic beliefs and a barrier to the introduction of those beliefs into school science classes.

Logic & Philosophy of Language: Thinking, Reasoning, Communicating
Because so few people ever learn about logic, logical fallacies, and logical arguments, almost everyone makes a lot of basic errors in the arguments they offer and in their critiques of others' arguments. Irreligious atheists who want to do an effective job in critiquing religion, religious beliefs, and theism, absolutely need some grounding in basic logic in order to both avoid those common mistakes and to be able to point them out when reading others' arguments.

Philosophy of Politics & Law: Philosophy of Governance, Justice, Society, Force
Most atheists recognize that the separation of church and state are important to their ability to be free of having religion imposed upon them. Not all realize that separation is based upon a more fundamental political and legal philosophy which theocrats on the Christian Right don't accept. Debates over church/state separation are thus debates over political and legal philosophy

Philosophy of Education: Philosophy of Teaching, Learning, and Instruction
For many religious theists, religious education is an indispensable part of the learning process because religions is necessary for instilling values and morals. Many would like to see this happen in public schools, believing that their religion should be taught as a basis for social order. Atheists typically oppose such measures, but this can be done on a firmer basis if one has a better understanding of what education is all about.

What is Epistemology? Philosophy of Truth, Knowledge, Belief
Epistemology is important because it is fundamental to how we think. Without some means of understanding how we acquire knowledge, how we rely upon our senses, and how we develop concepts in our minds, we have no coherent path for our thinking. Many debates between atheist and theists revolve around basic epistemological principles. Without understanding this and understanding the various epistemological positions, people will just end up talking past each other.

Philosophy of Religion: Philosophy of Religious Belief, Theism, Practice
The Philosophy of Religion is the philosophical study of religious beliefs, religious doctrines, religious arguments and religious history. The line between theology and the philosophy of religion and theology isn’t always sharp because they share much in common. Theology tends to be apologetical in nature, committed to the defense of particular religious positions. Philosophy of Religion is committed to the investigation of religion itself, rather than the truth of any particular religion.

Philosophy of History: Philosophy of Historical Events & Historical Processes
The Philosophy of History is the study of history, writing about history, and what impact history has upon the present day. It can be referred to as the Critical, Analytical, or Formal Philosophy of History, as well as the Philosophy of Historiography. If the focus is on the progress of history and whether history is moving towards a final, ultimate goal, or is just a collection of events with no purpose or end, it is called the Speculative, Synoptic, or the Material Philosophy of History.

What is Aesthetics? Aesthetics is the Philosophy of Art, Beauty, Perception
Aesthetics almost never comes up in atheists' discussions about religion, but perhaps it should. First, religious and theistic ideas are often communicated in various forms of art (including film, books, and games) rather than in formal arguments. Atheistic critiques of religion cannot ignore this and it's impact on people's religious beliefs. Second, atheists themselves can do the same: communicate criticism of religion, religious beliefs, and theism through works of art and images.

Philosophy of Mind: Philosophy of Thought, Perception, Consciousness, Identity
The Philosophy of Mind is a more recent field that deals with questions of consciousness and how it interacts with the body and the outside world. The Philosophy of Mind asks not only what mental phenomena are and what gives rise to them, but also what relationship they have to the larger physical body and the world around us.