Are the philosophical doctrines of Naturalism and Materialism the articles of faith for atheists?

Question

Naturalism and Materialism cannot be proven because it is impossible to demonstrate that immaterial reality does not exist. Naturalism and materialism are not scientific conclusions; rather, they are scientific premises. They are not discovered in nature but imposed upon nature.

Answer 1

no

Answer 2

I don't think there's much meaning to what you are saying.

Of course our scientific theories are simply models that we use to describe what we observe. What else have we got?

Answer 3

An atheist does not believe in god. After that he's on his own. There is no atheistic philosophy.

Answer 4

You seem to lack a proper understanding of atheism.

Answer 5

Don't think so.  I'm not even sure what these philosophical doctrines are.

Answer 6

Ouch!  My head hurts.

You appear to have done a cut-and-paste job from some new-age Xian website that dabbles in philosophy without having any actual knowledge of philosophy.

There's no other explanation.

Answer 7

No.

We are a bunch of very different people and the word `atheist` describes a person that has no belief in divine beings. It does not describe, in any way, shape or form what beliefs such a person might be supposed to have.

Answer 8

When dealing with scientific questions, yes.

But we don't need scientific answers to questions like 'does every person deserve dignity?'

Answer 9

No.  

Answer 10

I don't think anyone would claim they ARE scientific conclusions. That's why we have the term "philosophy". These are open questions for us to ponder and discuss, in order to open our mind more to our true place in the universe.

Answer 11

No. Atheism, strictly speaking is just a belief that God does not exist (or a lack of belief in God.) It is possible to be a metaphysical idealist and be an atheist.

Most atheists today are probably materialists (in the sense of thinking that the universe is composed of matter). You are right that materialism can not be proven. Naturalism, however, is probably true simply in virtue of definitions. If Naturalism is a belief that all that is real is what is natural, and it defines "natural" as what is real, it is true by definition.

But getting back to materialism, you are making the point made by pragmatists over a century ago. A belief in a real, material, external world is a product of our minds, not certain truth. In so far as talking about a "real" material world is useful (as it often is), there is little reason to question it. Nonetheless, we should keep in mind that our belief in material reality is a belief.

All of this is completely compatible with atheism. Science, when done properly, is actually pragmatic, not materialistic. I think all you are pointing out is that most atheists, like most people in general, take a naive realist's view of the world. It is no more a key part of atheism, however, than it is a key part of Christianity.

Answer 12

Atheists lack belief in god(s).

Period.  End of sentence.  Goodnight.  Don't forget to tip your waiters.