How Atheist Scientists Approach Meaning and Morality

Abstract

In this chapter we ask how atheist scientists think about meaning and purpose. Some observers assume that morality requires religion, while others distrust atheists and believe they are morally depraved. We find that most atheist scientists believe that life has no inherent meaning, while others believe that questions of meaning cannot be answered. Many atheist scientists posit that science motivates purpose through continual improvements to our understanding and interaction with the world around us. In contrast to those who assert atheists are immoral, survey data suggests that religious and nonreligious scientists are no different in terms of their commitment to moral values.