Does an atheist believe in altruism?

1. 88

   SilentReedposted 13 years ago

   Does an atheist believe in altruism?

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2. 80

   iantoPFposted 13 years ago

   An Atheist is someone who rejects the concept of God in the religious sense of the word. There are Atheists who entertain the thought of powers greater than ourselves, they just do not attribute those powers with supernatural ability.
   The point is that "Atheist" is not a belief system. An Atheist is a person who may be altruistic or may not, There is no fear or love of Deity to drive his actions. 
   One last point worth mentioning. I  have never met an Atheist who believed in a Devil, but I have met many Christians who work wickedness.

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3. 0

   msorenssonposted 13 years ago

   The two concepts are separate..yes, I think so...

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4. 39

   neeleshkulkarniposted 13 years ago

   you can have altruistic atheists and non altruistic ones  because there is nothing to say that an atheist cannot be a good human being.For that matter an atheist who is an altruist is probably a better altruist since he is not doing it for fear or a better after life but because he wants to.

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5. 58

   wim99posted 13 years ago

   Hypothetically, using Canada as an example, Canada is naturally diverse with about 56 percent population athiest. Considering that most Canadians are trustworthy, and willing to do anything for a good neighbor, I would lean towards the affirmative.

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6. 60

   feenixposted 13 years ago

   It depends on who the atheist is.
   
   When an atheist is a real nice and unselfish guy or gal, more than likely, that person is altruistic.
   
   On the other hand, when an atheist is a real S.O.B., chances are that person is not altruistic.

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7. 60

   thostposted 13 years ago

   This is a hard one to answer, yes and no is the best I can do.
   
   Most people love their families and are concerned for their welfare, but a tiny minority love only themselves.
   
   I’ll stick with the yes and no answer.

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8. 95

   Daughter Of Maatposted 13 years ago

   Altruism is a value. Anyone can have values whether they believe in god or not. Although, true altruism is almost impossible. It is the act of doing something for someone other than the self with no expectations of reciprocation, and having no other ulterior motives. It's not really something you believe in, it exists, it's just rare.

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9. 60

   move2moveposted 13 years ago

   Being an altruist has noting to do with if yes or no you are religion!
   You have or at least, I know people who are very religious and yet ...
   You can't find them when it's about them being altruistic by nature or otherwise.
   So, it's not related.

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10. 75

    Rain Defenceposted 13 years ago

    Which one?

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11. 62

    nightwork4posted 13 years ago

    the term "believe " is misleading as it implies a belief system. as an atheist, i know that i'm a good person in the way i treat other people. i don't need to believe that it is right to worry about others, to me it is common sense. i can't answer for all atheists but the ones i have met are just as good of people as any "christian" or other "believer".

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12. 80

    ptosisposted 13 years ago

    
    
    Why are atheists so distrusted by believers? Technically satanism would be the "opposite" of christianity - not a person who believes there is NO god. Just as can't proove a negative - it is a belief system albeit a personal one unique to each person.
    
    http://reason.com/blog/2011/12/01/belie … as-trustwo
    
    ... says Norenzayan. "While atheists may see their disbelief as a private matter on a metaphysical issue, believers may consider atheists' absence of belief as a public threat to cooperation and honesty."

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13. 61

    tom hellertposted 13 years ago

    Got me... ask an Atheist- who knows whats rollin around in their heads...but I'd have to say
    Sure why not- by cntrast- if a person is a dick does that make him an atheist... no- I think religeon helps folks stay on the "straight and narrow" but its not a prerequisite

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14. 61

    cicsomumposted 13 years ago

    I'm an Atheist, Only thing I believe in is science

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