From Practical Atheism to Theoretical Atheism

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Associate Professor, Department of Kalam, Faculty of Iranian Institute of Philosophy, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

"Theoretical atheism", understood as the denial of God's existence, often stems from deeper layers of human life and worldview. One of these layers is "practical atheism" —living without reference to God despite an outward adherence to faith. This article seeks to demonstrate that, in many cases, theoretical atheism is not the outcome of rational argumentation, but rather the result of a gradual process of practical deviation and abandonment of servitude to God. The central research question is: "How, and under what conditions, does a practical rupture in faith lead to the rational and theoretical denial of God?" Furthermore, what is the role of epistemological, psychological, and sociological factors in this transition? The aim of this research is to analyze practical atheism's role and influence in the formation or intensification of theoretical atheism. It also examines the mechanisms and plausibility of this transition. Using a descriptive-analytical method, the study concludes that practical atheism frequently serves as a cognitive, psychological and social precursor to theoretical or scientific atheism, effectively paving the way for it. This paper, while outlining the causes of practical atheism in both individual and social dimensions, explains ten mechanisms through which practical atheism can influence theoretical atheism. It also identifies the stages of transition from behavioral aversion to cognitive denial. The final section of the article critiques the proposed view, arguing that due to the complex causal relationships between action and belief, the diversity of cultural and religious contexts, and the methodological limitations of this approach, the process of moving from practical to theoretical atheism should not be considered linear, deterministic and continuous.

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References

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