Plato’s Criticism of Atheism

Abstract

The article presents and analyses Plato's criticism of atheism contained in Book X of Laws. This is Plato's only work in which he considers the problem on non-believing. Atheism that has three forms (1. negation of god's existence; 2. of his providence; 3. of his justice) is based on the erroneous views that occur in religion (mythology) and philosophy (materialism). Its basic cause is ignorance. Plato confronts it with his (philosophical) theology that refers to the study of cosmos and movement occurring in it. Movement requires a cause. According to Plato, ultimately this cause is the soul. The soul, in turn, is identified with god. Hence, proving the existence of god Plato defends (generally) rationality of faith in his existence and at the same time fights against atheism that is a cognitive error in the interpretation of the world and religion.