Posting this because I think it’s an interesting examination of the overlap (or lack thereof) between atheists and general skeptics. It’s worth remembering that the term ‘atheism’ only means a rejection of theistic beliefs; non-theistic beliefs that are nonetheless irrational and unsupported by evidence are not relevant to the term. And yet one can easily see why there is an overlap between these two communities and why many atheists scoff at other atheists who profess belief in things like astrology, ghosts, reincarnation, etc.
I’m definitely one of those who doesn’t believe in anything supernatural, but I’ve certainly met atheists who do. It’s worth remembering the two groups aren’t synonymous.
I think that people who believe that they have seen ghosts probably experience a similar existential paradox. They too would have the subjective experience that creates dissonance with reality as they know it. So I don’t really think it’s all that different at all, it’s just that you don’t have the interference of that subjective experience. Thank you, I appreciate the link and will read it with interest. I’ve heard many arguments for free will, but they often fall into the same traps as religion. I would also like to thank you for responding so thoughtfully in this thread. This has been a refreshing little discussion.
Fair enough. I appreciate your input as well and am happy to agree to disagree.