What is the difference between agnostic and ignostic?

Answer 1

Ignosticism is theological position that every other theological position (including agnosticism) assumes too much about the concept of god and many other theological concepts.

While agnosticism is defined as not a creed (Religion) but a method, the essence of which lies in the vigorous application of a single principle... Positively the principle may be expressed as in matters of intellect, do not pretend conclusions are certain that are not demonstrated or demonstrable.

The difference is subtle, but the argument is that agnostics consider the argument of god to be inconclusive until further evidence is met. Therefore, he believes in a stagnant idea of "God."

An ignostic would argue that he couldn't form such an opinion, on the basic that there is no singular definition of "God." which would lead to the question of; "If there is infinite definitions of god, then would they not contradict each other?" proceeding to the theory of; "If all gods exist, then no gods would exist." Due to the contradicting definitions of "God." Therefor; making the term "God" is meaningless.

Ignosticism is not to be confused with apatheism, a position of apathy toward the existence of God. An apatheist may see the statement "God exists" as insignificant; yet they may also see it as meaningful, and perhaps even true.

An ignostic maintains that they cannot even say whether he/she is a theist or an atheist until a sufficient definition of theism is put forth. And until a coherent claim comes up, Most/(All) ignostics ignore the question of God.

-Coherent Claim:

"God has a beard"

"He might one."

-Incoherent Claim:

"God has a beard"

"Of course he does"

or

"God has a beard"

"No he doesn't, silly"

So, from there, an ignostic can decide before getting into a debate, and with applying logic unto the beard claim, whether he believes or disbelieves in God (having a beard).