Why is Steven Hawking an atheist?

Answer 1

As there is no empirical evidence for the existence of any sort of deity, and as there is absolutely no need to invoke god(s) to explain the universe, Hawking does not believe in any deity.

Answer 2

Stephen Hawking identified as an atheist primarily because he believed that science and reason provided sufficient explanations for the universe and did not see a need for a higher power or deity in his understanding of the natural world. Hawking's theories, such as his work on the origin of the universe and black holes, were based on scientific principles rather than religious beliefs.