Atheism: A Very Short Introduction

Atheism is often considered to be a negative or pessimistic belief which is characterized by a rejection of values and purpose and a fierce opposition to religion. This Very Short Introduction sets out to dispel the myths that surround atheism, arguing that most western atheism is so-named only because it exists in a tradition in which theism is the norm. Julian Baggini instead asserts that atheists are typically naturalists, who believe that meaning and morality are possible in a finite, natural world.

This second edition includes a new chapter covering the impact and legacy of 'New Atheism', a powerful new movement in atheism in the early twenty first century, driven by books from authors such as Richard Dawkins and Sam Harris, and which is having a profound impact across the Western world. Baggini also considers whether East Asia has been historically atheist, and atheism in recent European history, before exploring the position of atheists around the world today. Throughout, the book presents an intellectual case for atheism that rests as much upon positive arguments for its truth as on negative arguments against religion.

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Julian Baggini, Academic Director, Royal Institute of Philosophy

Julian Baggini is the author, co-author, or editor of over 20 books. He regularly writes for national and international newspapers and magazines, and has produced reports for the think tanks The Institute of Public Policy Research, Demos, and Counterpoint. Baggini has been Academic Director of the Royal Institute of Philosophy since 2019. He is the co-founder of The Philosophers' Magazine, which he edited from 1997-2010. He is also an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent, which also awarded him an honorary Doctor of Letters degree in 2018.

1. What is Atheism?2. The case for atheism3. Atheist ethics4. Meaning and purpose5. Atheism in history6. Beyond the Atheism7. ConclusionFurther readingIndex