Question for feminist atheists...

[Boojatta]

Do you use the term "man-made" to refer to things created by human beings or do you prefer the words "naturally occurring" or some other word or phrase?

From the point of view of atheism, I'm wondering whether or not you feel completely comfortable using the term "naturally occurring." Are human beings the only animals whose activities produce things that do not occur "naturally"?

[leftofcool]

1. I am not a total athiest

But I use "human-made" when referring to things such as a "human-made" lake, pond etc...

[CTyankee]

2. I'm not sure that human activities aren't "naturally occuring."

But I see what you are getting at. Perhaps "artificial" as in turf or some such is a good substitute.

[Deep13]

3. "artificial"

Natural has two meanings. One is the absence of the supernatural and that would include all artificial things. The other meaning draws a distinction between artificial and things that occur outside of human intervention.

[Jim__]

4. Are human beings the only animals whose activities produce things that do not occur "naturally"?

Beavers build dams.

[Boojatta]

6. I'll try to remember that.

If someone invites me on a camping excursion and I don't want to go, then I can respond to any talk about "nature" by asking for proof in advance that the experience won't be tainted by the sight of such things as beaver dams, bird nests, etc.

[Deep13]

7. And no otters hitting stuff with rocks!

:mad:

[China_cat]

5. I use 'manufactured'.

[smoogatz]

8. I'm a feminist atheist, though not a very good one.

I find these picayune word games with pronouns mildly annoying. Others have pointed out the matter of beaver dams, birds' nests, bee hives, etc., although one could argue that these phenomena are "natural" by definition, since they're not man (or woman) made. On the other hand, humans are also part of "nature," so perhaps all human artifacts are also "naturally occurring."

[pokerfan]

10. Back off, ladies!

It's ours!!!


WE CAME IN PEACE
FOR ALL MANKIND

[cynatnite]

9. 'feminist atheist'....that's a new one...

I have to ask why do you want to know? Is there a particular reason?

[edhopper]

11. The ways of the Boojatta are mysterious.

His questions are obscured in the fog of the unknown and his answers can only be seen through a glimmer at the corner of the eye.