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Whether we know what "living" is or whether we solve the hard problem of consciousness is logically distinct from atheism (or theism, for that matter). Unless y
by zvmaz 3y ago
Whether we know what "living" is or whether we solve the hard problem of consciousness is logically distinct from atheism (or theism, for that matter). Unless you think that our ignorance justifies theism, in which case you commit to a logical fallacy.
- wongarsu 3y agoIf you have the concept of a soul or spirit as a metaphysical thing, you can nicely sidestep the question of what constitutes a living being by simply saying "the things that are alive are exactly those that have a soul". Not all theistic belief systems do this (I don't think Christianity has a widespread belief that plants have a soul, for one example), and believing in a God indeed does not prevent you from questioning the physical world with a scientific mindset. And even many atheists believe in souls (you don't need to believe in a God to believe in the metaphysical after all). But still, the two concepts aren't entirely orthogonal. Certain religious worldviews are mutually exclusive with certain interpretations on life. And if your interpretation of life conflicts with the locally prevalent religion that might cause you to become an atheist.
- pixl97 3y agoUh, this seems like a turtles all the way down problem as faith has just pushed the problem over to this nebulous soul thingy that has no strict definition or means of identification. How do you falsify what a soul is or isn't?