The claim that babies are born atheists is often discussed in the context of the philosophy of religion and the nature of belief systems. It is not a claim that can be definitively proven or disproven with empirical evidence, as it involves understanding the cognitive processes and awareness of infants, which can be challenging to assess.
Here's what the claim means:
Atheism: Atheism, in the broadest sense, is the absence of belief in gods or deities. It is not necessarily an active denial of gods' existence but rather a lack of belief in them.
Babies: The claim suggests that newborn babies lack the ability to believe in gods or deities due to their limited cognitive development and lack of exposure to religious concepts.
The idea behind this claim is that beliefs in gods or deities are acquired through socialization, cultural influence, and exposure to religious ideas, which typically happens later in a child's life. Since babies are born without any knowledge or understanding of religion, some argue that they could be considered "atheistic" in the sense that they lack a belief in gods at the time of birth.
However, it is important to note that this claim is more of a philosophical statement than a scientific fact. While it may be true that infants do not possess religious beliefs at birth, it is challenging to ascertain their cognitive state regarding this matter, as they cannot communicate or self-reflect in ways that older children or adults can.
Additionally, this claim does not address the broader question of whether belief in gods is innate or a result of cultural conditioning and learning. The question of whether humans have a natural predisposition to believe in deities (sometimes referred to as "religious belief instincts") is a topic of ongoing research and debate among scholars in the fields of psychology, anthropology, and philosophy.
In summary, the claim that babies are born atheists is a philosophical assertion rather than a scientific fact, and it remains a subject of ongoing discussion within the realms of philosophy and the study of religion. Babies cannot confirm or deny their beliefs due to their limited cognitive abilities at such a young age. As children grow and develop, they start to acquire language and engage in more complex thinking, which allows them to develop beliefs and attitudes based on their experiences and cultural surroundings.