What is the atheistic existentialist view on family and friends?

Answer 1

Existentialism is the idea that we as humans can determine the moral worth of our circumstances. As a result, an Atheist Existentialist is free to value to friends and family however, he sees fit. Most see these things as positives in terms of companionship value, socialization, intellectual discussion, emotional catharsis, and personal development. However, since family and friends are valued more based on a consequentialist analysis in an existentialist perspective than the deontological views that undergird religious perspectives, Atheist Existentialists are often more willing to "throw away" failed relationships. Christopher Hitchens, in his speech against the Ten Commandments, ridiculed the fifth commandment by saying that not all parents are deserving of respect, especially if they are violent or abusive. A person coming from a deonotological religious perspective would likely disagree, holding that the parent deserves respect simply from their role as a parent and that a negative appraisal is permissible, but should not detract from the respect.

Answer 2

There is no single atheistic existentialist view of family and friends since Atheism is not a belief system. The following are some opinions from contributors.

Opinion

An atheistic view of family is probably more open and egalitarian than a family that follows religious rules. They are probably more open to different experiences and different views. They may be more accepting of other lifestyles and less intrusive in the lives of others. They love their children as much as anyone else and teach them to be good citizens. They value education and are helpful in the community. They buy homes and contribute to society in general as much as anyone else. They work and pay taxes and vote.

Opinion

Family is an important time in a child's development, and in the partners' lives, for the sanity, comfort, and security it provides. The family provides a firm foundation on which to build one's life upon. Being a 3rd generation atheist, I do probably qualify to answer this. But in all honesty, family is important to myself and is important to my extended family just as much because we are family, we are related. It's really as simple as that. On a scientific level it is a well noted natural instinct for social animals (like us) to prefer helping others with closely related genetic code over those that are not or less related.

Opinion

They love them. Survival of the species is the most important evolutionary goal. We were evolved to have neurological capabilities of love, empathy, sympathy because we are a species that can't survive alone. Friends and family are important to us as human beings, atheist or not. Life is precious as "matters flow from place to place and momentarily come together to be you" according to Richard Dawkins. The universe learn about itself through us (children of stardust) according to Carl Sagan. Life is a beautiful thing. People are important and so are the achievements of people to make life better and better for each generations to come . . . through logic and not fear and guilt.

Opinion

... same as everyone else 'cept we don't pray

Answer 3

Atheists believe family and friends exist, therefore, they are real.