An unintimidating guide to Atheism and secular philosophy
Atheism For Dummies, 2nd Edition takes an unbiased look into the philosophical worldview of the lack of belief in gods. This approachable book showcases how atheism is a spectrum, from showing the secular values and lifestyles that resonate with many atheists to also showing how atheism can connect to other philosophical views such agnosticism, secular humanism, and more. Learn about the deep history of atheism, how atheism appears in popular culture, and how atheist philosophy and perspective can apply to topics like artificial intelligence and the climate crisis.
Explore what atheism is and isn't Examine the beliefs of nonbelievers Discover atheist perspective on important philosophical questions Find out how the internet has shaped atheism and secular communities
If you're looking for a stronger understanding of religious nonbelief, Atheism For Dummies, 2nd Edition is the accessible guide for you.
By:
Dale McGowan
Imprint: Wiley
Country of Publication: United States
Edition: 2nd edition
Dimensions:
Height: 234mm,
Width: 185mm,
Spine: 23mm
Weight: 499g
ISBN: 9781394350193
ISBN 10: 1394350198
Pages: 384
Publication Date: 27 October 2025
Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active
Introduction 1 Part 1: Understanding What Atheism Is 7 Chapter 1: Meeting Atheism 9 Chapter 2: Unweaving the Rainbow of Disbelief 19 Chapter 3: Seeing What Atheists Believe and Why 37 Part 2: Following Atheism Through the Ages 61 Chapter 4: Finding Atheism in the Ancient World 63 Chapter 5: Going Medieval 77 Chapter 6: Enlightening Strikes 89 Chapter 7: Opening a Golden Age of Freethought 105 Chapter 8: Growing Up in the Tumultuous 20th Century 119 Chapter 9: Voicing a New Atheism for the 21st Century 143 Chapter 10: Welcoming the Shrugging Seculars 157 Part 3: Plunging into the Great Works of Atheism 169 Chapter 11: Uncovering Lost, Secret, Censored, and Forbidden Works 171 Chapter 12: Sampling Landmark Writings 183 Chapter 13: Laughing in Disbelief: Divine Comedies 201 Chapter 14: Reawakening Atheism in the Early 21st Century 213 Chapter 15: Exploring Different Ways to Be Secular 223 Part 4: Living a Full Life Without a Belief in God 233 Chapter 16: Getting Personal with Atheism Today 235 Chapter 17: Being Good Without Gods 251 Chapter 18: Seeing the World Naturally 271 Chapter 19: Being an Atheist Among the Religious 287 Chapter 20: Getting the Best of Religion and Leaving the Rest 305 Chapter 21: Grappling Godlessly with a Complex Future 321 Part 5: The Part of Tens 331 Chapter 22: Ten Things You May Not Know About Atheists 333 Chapter 23: Ten Groups of Humans with a Lot of Nonbelievers 339 Chapter 24: Ten Fun and Easy Ways to Explore Atheism 347 Index 355
Dale McGowan, PhD, is the author of Parenting Beyond Belief and Raising Freethinkers and producer of podcasts on nonreligious parenting, mortality, wonder, and the human story. His work has appeared in The Huffington Post and The Washington Post, and he co-founded the secular media company OnlySky.
