Atheism and Unbelief among Indian Scientists: Towards an Anthropology of Atheism(s)

Abstract

Taking into account the specific contexts and cultural specificities lends different meanings to categories like ‘atheists’, ‘agnostics’ and ‘materialists’, this ethnographic discussion of scientists shows the limitations of Western atheism to capture the everyday life of Indian scientists. The article argues that Indian atheism(s) need not be, nor is it actually, identical with the brands of Western atheism. By trusting ethnographic data, we see that atheistic scientists called themselves atheists even while accepting that their lifestyle is very much a part of tradition and religion. For them, following the lifestyle of a religion is not antithetical to atheism. The study of atheism and rationality should not be just a simple-minded attempt to find Western parallels. We need to acknowledge the locations while studying atheism(s) and unbelief.

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