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Atheists and Empiricism...?

I thought I paid the atheists a complement by explaining that they weren't rationalists:

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=Auvp9...

Now, judging from the thumbs-down, either these folks don't know what a "rationalist" is (probably assuming that it has something to do with being rational), or they actually reject empiricism.

Now, if atheists reject empiricism, I would like to know about it - I mean, that seems to be their M.O. So maybe you guys can enlighten me on this one.

Update:

Interesting - in one answer the guy actually cites his reliance on empirical evidence to substantiate his rationalism...

Update 2:

@MOTH - lol

Update 3:

Maybe this will help. Rationalism is the idea that reason is capable of providing information above and beyond our senses. Theologians have been using rationalism as the basis for theistic arguments for centuries. It originated with Descartes original Onological Argument. Empiricists, on the other hand, believe that our ideas must be informed by hard evidence.

Update 4:

@Umbra - I couldn't care less what -ism you ascribe to. I'm just curious as to whether the thumbs-down come from a misunderstanding of the terminology, or a genuine complaint against being called a empiricist. You inform me - I'm not trying to label you.

Update 5:

@Lizard - I couldn't agree more.

Update 6:

@Eddie - dare I call your answer "rational"? Your point is well taken - I shouldn't try to draw a heavy line on this one.

Update 7:

@Auntb - I agree. I am a rationalist, after all.

11 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    I just like unicorns, okay? Jesus Christ.

  • 1 decade ago

    I think you're assuming that rationalism and empiricism are mutually exclusive, which is never the case. They are different brain functions, but each aids the other in understanding the universe around us. Empiricism without rationalism is merely cataloging.

    But yes, I understood that your earlier answer was meant to be complimentary, and I'd imagine that most of the atheists here did too. I guessing that most of your "thumbs down" came from Christians.

  • 1 decade ago

    You are playing with definitions of terms that are unfamiliar, and which have been used rather loosely in common speech, as compared to philosophy classes.

    But the fact is, reason IS capable of providing information beyond our senses. Or even beyond our current instrumentation. One analyzes the data and the logic of the situation, and cross-references it with what is otherwise known (i.e., in other situations), and reaches conclusions which are only partly suggested by the evidence of our senses. The obvious example is when you see the connection between a piece of information over here and another over there, and realize that a general principle may be involved. Or when you do "thought experiments" which do not rely on empirical evidence but which are based on reason alone.

    Source(s): BA in Philosophy, University of Michigan, 1974
  • 4 years ago

    there is a few thing observed as 'reasoning' . I examine which all issues are real looking , and which all issues actual would desire to be investigated to make certain that me to stay a greater suited existence.a image is real looking because of the fact there are tonnes of people in the international.comparable for a delivery certificates. yet whilst the delivery certificates registered a delivery on "30-Feb-1982" ..i could get sceptical .

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  • 1 decade ago

    The word rational can have a different connotation that the philosophy of rationalism.

    It's a semantics argument.

  • BSist
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    Yeah, you made the mistake of imagining us empiricists to be very philosophical. I think it best to integrate the two. I really don't see how you separate them.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    You're trying to make a point that's pointless, I don't need or want your compliments. I don't care about your evaluation of me or any other atheist. Each of us have our reasons for not believing in God and no two will be the same. Mostly I'm sick of theist constantly creating "isms" in an effort to pigeon hole atheist. Stop believing all the stupid crap and become an atheist and you'll be amazed that you're still a unique human being.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    How do you know it wasn't because the religious don't like you giving atheists a complement?

  • 1 decade ago

    to be honest dude, i think all of the christians just go around and thumbs down anyone that either talks about or says they are an atheist.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Lol that link is funny.

    My answer? I don't even know what empiricism means.

    Source(s): Atheist.
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