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Re: [atheists-27] Atheist or Bright?

From: Martin
Sent on: Thursday, August 8, 2013, 12:05 PM
I agree with Ken, I have always thought that "Freethinker" is the best of the various terms used to describe, and the one I always choose for myself when asked. The Wiki definition of "Freethought" describes it quite well:

Freethought is a philosophical viewpoint that holds opinions should be formed on the basis of logic, reason, and empiricism, rather than authority, tradition, or other dogmas. The cognitive application of freethought is known as "freethinking", and practitioners of freethought are known as "freethinkers".

Some of the things I like about the term are that:

  • it is very descriptive, and does not require much explanation
  • it is positive, non-aggressive, and lacks the lingering aura of conceit of terms like "Bright" ("I'm smarter"), or "Humanist" ("I have high moral values")
  • most people, religious or non-religious, have respect for the simple philosophy of it
  • it implies much more than being atheist
  • it is well established, with a long history: The Freethinker is a British secular humanist magazine, founded by G.W. Foote in 1881. It is the world's oldest surviving freethought publication. (from the Wiki entry on the famous magazine.)
  • it really sums up how I view the world, and how my actions are driven
Perhaps if it had originated in the US instead of the UK it would have gained much more traction here over the years.

Martin,

On 08/08/[masked]:32 AM, Ken wrote:
Agreed ...in general I don't like labels (concerning people) but I think the term "Free Thinker" is the one I like. 



On Aug 8, 2013, at 7:28 AM, Robert W Ahrens <[address removed]> wrote:


And my point is that atheists are, in that regard, much like other Americans.  There is little to separate us from others save our religious lack of belief.  Hence, the lack of a need to label us with a special word.

Like I said, nitpick the specifics all you want.  But do you agree or not with my premise?

Sent from my iPad

On Aug 8, 2013, at 7:21 AM, Ken <[address removed]> wrote:


Its not picking you clumping "Ideals" and "behavior" into the same category. They're two different things. Behavior comes from the Id ideals come from the ego ..ideals are consciously made behavior is not. The "ideals" that your say are commonly shared, ild contribute more to behavior then to any conscious decision. 


On Aug 8, 2013, at 7:12 AM, Robert W Ahrens <[address removed]> wrote:


My point is that there ARE many common ideals and behaviors that are fairly universally practiced in this country, although, since we ARE human, exceptions will always be seen.



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