Agnosticism: A Very Short IntroductionWhat is agnosticism? Is it just the 'don't know' position on God, or is there more to it than this? Is it a belief, or merely the absence of belief? Who were the first to call themselves 'agnostics'? These are just some of the questions that Robin Le Poidevin considers in this Very Short Introduction. He sets the philosophical case for agnosticism and explores it as a historical and cultural phenomenon. What emerges is a much more sophisticated, and much more interesting, attitude than a simple failure to either commit to, or reject, religious belief. Le Poidevin challenges some preconceptions and assumptions among both believers and non-atheists, and invites the reader to rethink their own position on the issues. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. |
Other editions - View all
Common terms and phrases
accepting action agnostic agnosticism answer appear argument atheist attitude belief cause certainty Chapter Christian clearly commitment completely concerned conclusion conscience consider contrast course criterion Dawkins debate depends describe doubt dragon draw effect emotions engage entirely evidence example existence experience explanation fact faith false feelings fiction forces further give God’s grounds Henry Longueville Mansel human Hume Huxley hypothesis idea initial intelligence James John Kant kind knowledge known laws lead less light live logical London look matter means mind moral move nature object observation offered particular perhaps philosopher position possible practical present principle probability question realized reason religion religious remains response result sceptic scientific seems selection sense simply sometimes statements strong suggested suppose teapot theism theory things thought true truth ultimate uncertainty universe wrong