Definitions

There is often a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the terminology regarding atheism. This page will be expanded in the future as members of the VAA contribute their own interpretation of these terms, but for a start, here is Merriam-Webster's take on some of the terms that we use to identify ourselves:

• Atheist: one who believes that there is no deity
• (strong & weak atheism): two further classifications of atheist philosophy


• Agnostic: a person who holds the view that any ultimate reality (as God) is unknown and probably unknowable; broadly: one who is not committed to believing in either the existence or the nonexistence of God or a god


• Freethinker: one that forms opinions on the basis of reason independently of authority; especially: one who doubts or denies religious dogma


• Humanism: a doctrine, attitude, or way of life centered on human interests or values; especially: a philosophy that usually rejects supernaturalism and stresses an individual's dignity and worth and capacity for self-realization through reason