The Most Famous Atheist, Ranked

Choose the Atheist you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 16, 2024 08:03
In a world abundant with diverse beliefs and perspectives, understanding prominent figures who identify as atheists can shed light on varying worldviews. It allows for a deeper comprehension of how atheism influences various fields such as science, literature, and politics. This insight not only educates but also enriches the public discourse by offering alternative viewpoints. By voting for the most famous atheist, users engage in creating a dynamic list that reflects contemporary public opinion and recognition. Your participation helps to highlight those individuals whose life and works have made significant impacts without the influence of religious affiliations. This listing is not just a collection of names but a reflection of societal values and intellectual contributions across the globe.

Who Is the Most Famous Atheist?

  1. 1
    27
    votes
    Richard Dawkins
    David Shankbone · CC BY 3.0
    He is an evolutionary biologist, author, and outspoken critic of religion. He is known for his book "The God Delusion" and his advocacy for atheism and scientific rationalism.
    Richard Dawkins in other rankings
  2. 2
    46
    votes

    Sam Harris

    Sam Harris
    He is a neuroscientist, philosopher, and author. He is known for his books on religion and morality, including "The End of Faith" and "Letter to a Christian Nation". He is a prominent advocate for atheism and secularism.
    Sam Harris is a popular Patreon that provides subscribers with thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating content. The creator, Sam Harris, is an American neuroscientist, philosopher, and author, known for his expertise in ethical issues, meditation, and the relationship between science and spirituality. The Patreon offers a variety of benefits and exclusive content to its supporters.
    • Topics Covered: Ethics, Meditation, Science, Spirituality, Philosophy
    • Content Format: Podcasts, Articles, Conversations, Interviews
    • Subscription Tiers: Multiple tiers with different benefits
    • Exclusive Content: Access to AMA (Ask Me Anything) episodes, live events, and bonus material
    • Community Interaction: Opportunity to engage with the creator and fellow subscribers
    Sam Harris in other rankings
  3. 3
    16
    votes
    He was an author, journalist, and critic of religion. He was known for his book "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything" and his debate-style lectures on atheism.
  4. 4
    15
    votes
    Daniel Dennett
    Dmitry Rozhkov · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He is a philosopher and cognitive scientist. He is known for his work on consciousness, free will, and evolution, as well as his advocacy for atheism and skepticism.
  5. 5
    18
    votes
    Stephen Hawking
    NASA · Public domain
    He was a theoretical physicist and cosmologist. While he did not explicitly identify as an atheist, he was known for his scientific work on the origins of the universe and the nature of reality, which challenged traditional religious beliefs.
    Stephen Hawking in other rankings
  6. 6
    12
    votes
    He is an astrophysicist, author, and science communicator. While he does not identify as an atheist, he has been vocal about his skepticism of religion and his belief in scientific rationalism.
    The Joe Rogan Experience podcast episode featuring Neil deGrasse Tyson.
    • Guest: Neil deGrasse Tyson
    • Episode Number: 1159
    • Release Date: March 7, 2019
    • Duration: 3 hours and 8 minutes
    • Topics Discussed: Science, astrophysics, space exploration, philosophy
    Neil deGrasse Tyson in other rankings
  7. 7
    6
    votes
    Lawrence Krauss
    Jvangiel · CC BY-SA 3.0
    He is a theoretical physicist and cosmologist. He is known for his work on the origins of the universe and his advocacy for atheism and scientific skepticism.
  8. 8
    11
    votes
    Ayaan Hirsi Ali
    Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0
    She is a writer, activist, and former politician. She is known for her advocacy for women's rights and her criticism of Islam, which has led to death threats and controversy. She identifies as an atheist and has spoken out against religious dogma.
    Ayaan Hirsi Ali in other rankings
  9. 9
    6
    votes
    He is a magician, comedian, and author. He is known for his skepticism of religion and his advocacy for atheism and libertarianism. He co-hosted the television show "Penn & Teller: Bullshit!" which often criticized religious beliefs.
    Penn Jillette in other rankings
  10. 10
    1
    votes
    He is a prominent atheist activist, debater, and host of the web series "The Atheist Experience". He is known for his rationalist approach to religion and his advocacy for secularism and humanism.

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Ranking factors for famous Atheist

  1. Influence
    How much impact has the individual had on the world? Have they been able to affect change in society through their ideas and actions?
  2. Recognition
    How well-known is the individual in the public eye? Have they been recognized for their contributions through awards, media coverage, or other means?
  3. Outreach
    How well have they been able to communicate their ideas and beliefs to others? Have they engaged in public debates, given speeches, written books or articles, or otherwise shared their perspective with a wider audience?
  4. Legacy
    How will the individual be remembered in the future? Will their ideas and contributions continue to be valued and discussed by future generations?

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Atheist. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Atheist is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1895 views
  • 157 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Atheist once every 24 hours. The rank of each Atheist is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous atheist

Background Information: Who is the Most Famous Atheist? Atheism, the absence of belief in gods or deities, has been a topic of discussion for centuries. While the concept of atheism may not be new, the rise of popular figures who identify as atheists has brought the topic to the forefront of public discourse. When it comes to the question of who is the most famous atheist, the answer is not clear-cut. There are a number of prominent individuals who have openly identified as atheists, each with their own unique contributions to society. One of the most well-known atheists in recent history is the British biologist and author, Richard Dawkins. His book, "The God Delusion," became a best-seller and sparked a resurgence of interest in atheism. Dawkins has been an outspoken critic of religion and has advocated for science and reason as the basis for understanding the world. Another prominent figure in the atheist community is Sam Harris, an American author and philosopher. Like Dawkins, Harris is known for his criticism of religion and belief in reason and science. His book, "The End of Faith," explores the problems with religious faith and the dangers it poses to society. Other notable atheists include Christopher Hitchens, a British-American author and journalist, and Neil deGrasse Tyson, an American astrophysicist and science communicator. While there is no clear answer to who is the most famous atheist, these individuals have all played a significant role in promoting atheism and advocating for secularism in society.

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