Is there a correlation between atheism and a political ideology?

More Than Mortal · October 13, 2014, 04:14:14 PM

I've seen various studies claiming that more intelligent people generally tend towards liberalism (in the American sense) and atheism - although this isn't a comment on the validity of either. And then there are the studies which claim libertarians are the most intelligent.

As for atheism, I can't find a strong correlation either way. The New Atheist crowd has a mixture, with Richard Dawkins being right-of-centre with the Liberal Democrats, Sam Harris being a Democrat but in favour of gun rights and describing himself occasionally as "libertarian" and Christopher Hitchens being a "conservative Marxist".

Do you think there's a correlation between atheism and a certain set of political principles?

The Lord Slide Rule · October 13, 2014, 04:15:57 PM

The only thing atheists have in common is skepticism regarding the existence of a diety/dieties.

More Than Mortal · October 13, 2014, 04:19:49 PM

Quote from: SexyPiranha on October 13, 2014, 04:15:57 PM

The only thing atheists have in common is skepticism regarding the existence of a diety/dieties.

I'd like to be able to believe you.

The Lord Slide Rule · October 13, 2014, 04:27:24 PM

Quote from: Meta Cognition on October 13, 2014, 04:19:49 PM

Quote from: SexyPiranha on October 13, 2014, 04:15:57 PM
The only thing atheists have in common is skepticism regarding the existence of a deity/deities.
I'd like to be able to believe you.

That's just as far as I can tell. Perhaps skeptical mindedness in general informs some political opinions especially social ones but there are plenty of atheists that don't retain a skeptical outlook past the question of deities. From just talking to other atheists on the internet I've seen atheists run the gamut from anarchism to full blown fascism in some cases.(I just did a anecdote)

Camnator · October 13, 2014, 04:31:21 PM

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More Than Mortal · October 13, 2014, 04:35:47 PM

Quote from: Camnator on October 13, 2014, 04:31:21 PM

This is partially why labeling yourself is just silly.

I get what you mean but the people doing the association between labels are the ones at fault.

People can bash "labels" all they want, but they're ridiculously useful. If somebody wants to assume I'm a dirty commie because I'm godless, that ain't my fault.

Kinder Graham · October 13, 2014, 04:36:50 PM

I suppose

PSU · October 13, 2014, 04:43:29 PM

Of course there is.

The vast majority are dems.

The Lord Slide Rule · October 13, 2014, 04:50:40 PM

Quote from: Kinder Swageington on October 13, 2014, 04:36:50 PM

I suppose

Well there goes my point I guess.

Dustin · October 13, 2014, 05:48:21 PM

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BrenMan 94 · October 15, 2014, 09:24:02 AM

Talking to my atheist friends, I get the sense that they lean left because it goes against what their religious parents believe in.

The Lord Slide Rule · October 15, 2014, 02:10:29 PM

Quote from: BrenMan 94 on October 15, 2014, 09:24:02 AM

Talking to my atheist friends, I get the sense that they lean left because it goes against what their religious parents believe in.

YouTube

BrenMan 94 · October 15, 2014, 05:18:51 PM

Quote from: SexyPiranha on October 15, 2014, 02:10:29 PM

Quote from: BrenMan 94 on October 15, 2014, 09:24:02 AM
Talking to my atheist friends, I get the sense that they lean left because it goes against what their religious parents believe in.

Don't understand how it's laughable. When we start talking about their rationale behind what they believe I can easily pick it apart and arrive at the same conclusion each time.