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I'll answer for myself. I ascribe to the philosophy formally known as "Ignosticism". I believe that the only way to gain knowledge, is by pursuing the Scientific Method. Hence, the only way to settle the question whether god exists or not, is to give a clear definition of the term "god" - a definition, which is amenable to either scientific experimentation or formal mathematical analysis. Depending on the definition given, i may yet turn out to be

* A theist - if the existence of god, given this definition, has been scientifically established

* An atheist - if the existence of god, given this definition, has been scientifically disproved

* An agnostic - if either it has been scientifically demonstrated, this question cannot be determined this way or the other (given this definition); or else the testing of this hypothesis is not conclusive yet, as is the case with the  "P!=NP" hypothesis from theoretical Computer Science nowadays.

It should be noted, though, that, the applicability of any scientific theory can never be demonstrated beyond doubt.

I haven't seen any solid definition of "god" yet. Indeed, there needn't be just a single, definitive definition to satisfy me. In fact, there can't ever be a definitive definition of anything: anyone can define any term whichever way he/she wants. But as long as everybody who participates in a particular discussion agree on the same definitions of the relevant terms, effective communication can take place.

Posted 2 years ago
berliita was invited by Yedda to answer this question.

 
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