Question Are philosophers generally less religious than the general population? I'm not talking about the old-school ones, just the ones that are still alive.

Accepted:
May 28, 2008

Comments

This is a straightforwardly empirical question which needs an empirical, data-based, answer (not an arm-chair, philosophical one!). It would be interesting, then, if some panelist knows about any relevant research.

I conjecture, though, the answer goes something like this: If by "philosopher" you mean something like "university teacher of philosophy", then yes, as a group they are less religious than the general population. But that isn't especially because they are philosophers, but because there tends to be less religious belief among people educated to PhD level in general.

But that is a conjecture, and I await refutation!

This is a thorny topic, and I doubt there is any detail concerning philosophers per se. But for some data, see the Harris Poll on Americans' Religious Beliefs, which found that people with post-graduate degress are somewhat less likely to believe in God. But the difference isn't very impressive: 85%, as opposed to 90% for the general population. There are larger gaps concerning belief in miracles, which is perhaps not so surprising, either.

Question Are philosophers generally less religious than the general population? I'm not talking about the old-school ones, just the ones that are still alive. Accepted:May 28, 2008

Question Are philosophers generally less religious than the general population? I'm not talking about the old-school ones, just the ones that are still alive.

Accepted:
May 28, 2008