# The Atheists — Philosophical Works character guide

> The Atheists in Philosophical Works by René Descartes.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the atheists , who are in general sciolists rather than ingenious or learned

**First appearance:** 0010-meditation-iii-of-god-that-he-exists

## Who they are

Opponents of religious belief criticized by Descartes as superficial thinkers.

## In the story

### [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/dedication)

Described as sciolists who deny God's existence and the soul's immortality, targeted for refutation.

### [Preface to the Reader](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/chapters/preface-to-the-reader)

Criticized for using common arguments against God's existence based on human affections or finite understanding.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters/atheists
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/philosophical_works_se/characters