It's a scale. And, word definitions differ depending on who you talk to, so such a conversation must always be preceded by defining YOUR interpretation. I like Dawkin's scale, and I modified it a bit to make it a bit more inclusive.

[niceguyjim.com]

And remember - dictionary definitions are descriptive, not prescriptive.

It's a scale. And, word definitions differ depending on who you talk to, so such a conversation must always be preceded by defining YOUR interpretation. I like Dawkin's scale, and I modified it a bit to make it a bit more inclusive.

[niceguyjim.com]

i consider myself an atheist b/c i don't believe that there is a deity that is concerned about the human race. however, i can't discount completely the possibility that there could be a supreme being out there.

you are incorrect about what an atheist is, and therefore about whether one can be an agnostic and an atheist. an atheist MIGHT say "i know there are no gods," in which case s/he is not agnostic, but that's like saying some breads are rye bread. not all breads are. it's not part of the definition of an atheist. if you've heard some atheists claim to know, that's them, not a reflection of what atheism is. an atheist may say "i do not believe there are any gods" (which is not an assertion of knowledge, but rather of belief) or even "i believe there are no gods" (which is a stronger assertion but still not a claim to knowledge) and still be an agnostic.

g

Rubbish, all atheists are agnostic.
A-Theist without gods
A- Gnosis with out knowledge (of gods in this context)

Since to be without gods you must necessarily be without evidence or proof of gods ie. knowledge of said gods.

Agnosticism is therefore a composite part of atheism.
All atheists are agnostics and all agnostics are to a degree atheistic

Here's a chart I save for those who seem confused;

Actually, it is possible to be both at the same time.

Agnosticism is the view that whether or not God exists is unknown or unknowable.
Atheism is the absence of belief in the existence of deities.

Maybe to put it more clearly:
"Skepticism is my nature.
Free Thought is my methodology.
Agnosticism is my conclusion.
Atheism is my opinion.
Humanitarianism is my motivation." ~ Jerry Dewitt, former pastor of two evangelical churches, American author and public speaker, and a prominent member of the American atheism movement.

'Agnostic' can also be used as an adjective. An agnostic Atheist is one who says they don't know for sure if there is a god, and live their life like there isn't one. That's how I look at it anyway.

An atheist can also be the position that they see no evidence for Gods, but don't know if some could come to light in the future, hence agnostic atheist.

Atheist means without gods or doesn't believe in gods. I don't know for sure, but I don't believe and I damned sure don't worship them. I am both agnostic and atheist.
It's possible to disbelieve without knowing with certainty.

Atheist
a·the·istDictionary result for atheist
/ˈāTHēəst/Submit
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noun
a person who disbelieves or lacks belief in the existence of God or gods.
"he is a committed atheist"
synonyms: nonbeliever, nontheist, disbeliever, unbeliever, heretic, sceptic, doubter, doubting Thomas, agnostic, infidel, irreligious person, heathen, pagan, freethinker, libertine, nihilist;