The Common Ground Among Atheists: Beyond the Lack of Belief in God

Many atheists often argue that all they have in common is the lack of belief in God. This assertion, however, leaves out a crucial detail: the metaphysical grounding of their epistemology, which is often impersonal and excludes any divine influence.

Common Ground and Lack of Belief

Initially, it is argued that all atheists share is a lack of belief in God. This can be a simplification because, as human beings, we share many common traits even if we hold different beliefs. This claim is based on the idea that the only thing that can be assumed about all atheists is their lack of belief in deities. However, this perspective overlooks the complexity and depth of atheist beliefs and philosophical stances.

Metaphysical Grounding and Epistemology

The discussion about metaphysical grounding of epistemology brings us to the core of the assertion. Epistemology is the philosophical study of the nature of knowledge, and the grounding of it refers to the foundational beliefs or principles that support our understanding of the world. For many atheists, this grounding is often seen as impersonal, distinct from any divine or supernatural entity.

However, it is important to note that not all atheists believe in a metaphysical grounding that exhausts knowledge. The idea that "a lack of belief in God is a kind of epistemology" is misleading. A lack of belief is more akin to the absence of belief, similar to how health might be seen as the absence of illness rather than a positive attribute. Similarly, atheism is the absence of belief in gods, rather than a comprehensive epistemological system.

Default State of Atheism

Atheism can be seen as a default state, much like not engaging in a specific activity such as playing golf. One does not need to seek out a study of God to avoid believing in one. Atheism is not an active exclusion of God from one's Weltanschauung (worldview); rather, it is the absence of belief. This lack of belief stems from either never believing or from some form of disillusionment or change in perspective leading to a cessation of belief.

It is important to recognize that the lack of belief in God is not the same as an exhaustive study or exclusion. Atheism does not mandate the study and exclusion of every possible god, from Anubis to Zeus. In fact, this perspective is further strengthened by the recognition that Christians, too, do not believe in many gods, focusing only on one. This highlights the diversity of belief systems and the fact that not all non-belief in gods can be generalized as a uniform epistemological approach.

Clarification on Metaphysical Grounding

For clarity, the phrase "metaphysical grounding of their epistemology" is best understood as the foundational principles that underpin one's understanding of the world and knowledge. These principles can be impersonal, meaning they are not tied to any specific deity or supernatural entity. However, not all non-belief in gods can be considered epistemologically grounded in this way. The absence of belief in gods is not a comprehensive system of knowledge or understanding, but rather a simple lack of belief.

In conclusion, while it is true that all atheists share a lack of belief in God, this does not necessarily imply a shared epistemological grounding. Atheism can be a default state, and the lack of belief in gods is more about absence rather than a positive epistemological stance. Understanding these nuances is key to appreciating the diversity of human beliefs and the complexity of philosophical inquiry.

Keywords: atheism, epistemology, metaphysical grounding